FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - A food distribution hosted by the Salvation Army of Broward County is a growing tradition amidst the largest affordability crisis in the country.
Held every Thursday, serving nearly 1,000 families a month, that demand only increases with the rising cost of housing and groceries.
“Groceries are too expensive, so this helps,” said Gloria, a recipient of the food distribution.
The Salvation Army and other non-profits like Farm Share, partnered up with South Florida organizations, including the U.S. attorney’s office and the City of Miramar all in an effort to feed our community as they grapple the surge of inflation.
“So many people who have fixed incomes that don’t have money to extend through the month for food, so we make sure that we can come out and get out a few bags of food,” JD Smith, with the U.S attorney’s office said.
Major Juan Guadalupe, with the Salvation Army of Broward County, said with hard times for many in South Florida the demand is soaring.
“Now we getting more families coming to get help more than ever,” said Major Juan Guadalupe, Salvation Army of Broward County. “Over 2,000 families come here every Thursday.”
Many recipients tell 7News the economy is making it harder to afford food costs.
“The economy is bad, everybody needing food, prices are high with gas,” said a recipient of the food distribution.
Even the pinch is being felt by organizers who try to give as much food as possible.
“When you see those empty shelves you are wondering what’s going to happen, how are we going to help those people that come every week here to get that food,” said Guadalupe. “That’s why we are asking the community to help us out by bringing can food and all the foods. So we can give and provide for these families every week.”
At the end, recipients appreciate and are thankful for the little extra help they can receive.
“It’s a blessing, it is truly a blessing,” said a recipient of the food distribution.
“I get food stamps but the food stamps is not to last the whole month,” said a recipient of the food distribution.
The pressure of making ends meet is what these volunteers are trying to alleviate.
“When you see those empty shelves you are wondering what’s going to happen, how are we going to help those people that come every week here to get that food,” said Guadalupe.
For Gloria, this bag of groceries goes a long way.
“It don’t cover all my bills, and the food helps me. I don’t get food stamps anymore,” she said.
The Salvation Army has seen an increase in the number of families it feeds and with soaring demands comes a strain on supply.
“Yes, we need donations. We need food. We are calling on the community to help us stock up our food shelves. If you don’t have food, canned food, to help us out, frozen meat, monetary donations to help us out on that end,” said David Hayton with the Salvation Army of Broward County.
With donations not keep up with an ever increasing demand, the Salvation Army is asking for assistance from the community. Monetary donations may be made at the Salvation Army Broward County Website.
The Salvation Army wanted to note the items the organization needs the most:
- Mash Potatoes
- Rice and pasta
- Shelf-stable milk and cheese
- Cooking oil and salad dressing
- Canned vegetables and beans
- Canned soup , fruit, tuna, and chicken
- Peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti sauce
- Cereal, oatmeal, and granola bars
- Macaroni and cheese, and ramen noodles
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