OPA-LOCKA, Fla. (WSVN) — Hundreds of families will have quite the meal to serve for days to come thanks to a local non-profit and the City of Opa-locka.
The non-profit organization Farm Share teamed up with the Opa-locka community to provide a helping hand for those struggling to make ends meet.
About 40,000 pounds of food went to a great cause. "This is something good. This a good thing," said City of Opa-locka Vice Mayor Joseph Kelley.
That good thing is what dozens of families in need lined up for Friday morning outside Opa-locka City Hall. South Florida families lined up for free food and lots of it. Kelley said, "We recognize that it's tough economically, and even though you may not think of it, food is a hot commodity."
Farm Share and city officials put on a food drive for area residents. They handed out turkey, fruit and vegetables. All people had to do was sign up and grab a bag. Yolanda Jackson, a resident who came to the event for food said, "Fruits are something good because of the obesity that's going on. So this is helping out a lot of kids. You're feeding them more vegetables than all that candy. Me too. I need to eat some more vegetables."
Farm Share donated over 40,000 pounds of produce for Friday's giveaway. There was plenty to go around for those who showed up. Some even left with both hands full. "I was talking to many of them this morning. Some were saying the turkey alone was going to take them through this weekend. They're so thankful to get food," said Kelley. "We just want to give back to the community. Not just today, but we plan to keep it going."
The vice mayor said he also hopes to partner with churches with the hope of getting more food out to those in need.
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