Nonprofit Spotlight - United Against Poverty

In this Nonprofit Spotlight episode of the Charity Charge Show, host Grayson Harris sits down with Matt Tanner, Executive Director of United Against Poverty, to walk through a very practical approach to fighting poverty. Matt explains how United Against Poverty runs a 46,000 square foot grocery and services center that feels like a normal store, yet delivers about a 70 percent discount on essentials for households up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level.

Matt breaks down how the organization responded to the recent SNAP shutdown, what it really costs families to survive in Indian River County, and why dignity, data, and partnerships sit at the core of their model. He also shares how their Success Training Employment Program (STEP) moves adults with serious barriers into steady jobs and keeps them employed through year long success coaching.

About United Against Poverty, Indian River County

United Against Poverty (UP) was founded 23 years ago in Florida by a husband and wife team who wanted to move beyond traditional food bank models. Their goal was simple and hard edged. Give people real agency, not dependency.

Today, the Indian River County campus in Vero Beach serves roughly 750 adults per day through:

• The Member Share Grocery Program, offering about 70 percent savings on groceries and household essentials
• Crisis and navigation services that connect families to the right supports
• Workforce development programs that focus on emotional intelligence, job readiness, and long term retention
• On site partner organizations that share space to better support the same community

Membership is free for anyone at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, recognizing that the true cost of living in the area is far above older 200 percent thresholds.