United Against Poverty (UP) was founded in 2003 by Austin and Ginny Hunt. A small member share grocery was opened in South Indian River County to serve those in need. The idea was to provide a hand up and not a hand out to people experiencing poverty. It was not a food bank but more of a co-op where people in need were able to maintain their dignity by paying for their own groceries.
The need did not lessen, and in 2009, UP opened a new site and a second member share grocery was soon to follow. The economic downturn was at its worst and United Against Poverty was there with increased service.
In the years since UP has also expanded to Orlando and Fort Pierce helping people across the state receive access to needed programs and services.
UP continues to grow and change, providing innovative new programs to those below 200% of the federal poverty level. The need is very real in Indian River County and Vero Beach and United Against Poverty is here to stay.
