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MIAMI LAKES, FLA. (WSVN) - Thousands of people across South Florida have been left without a job during the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to several organizations stepping up to host drive-thru food distributions.
In Fort Lauderdale, Feeding South Florida distributed food at Mills Pond Park, located at 2201 NW 9th Ave., on Friday morning.
7SkyForce HD hovered above the site hours before it opened at 9 a.m. as dozens of vehicles could be seen lined up, waiting for much needed grocery items.
“I just couldn’t sleep, so I came out to see what they have out because I’ve been spending a lot of money right now,” said recipient Annie Johnson. “My daughter is with me, and she has eight children.”
The multi-municipality effort was put together to feed those in need.
“Together between Oakland Park, Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors, this is the best location to serve it,” said Casale. “It helps being at this park because we get ’em off the streets, so there’s not the congestion in the neighborhoods. We’re piling the cars within the park.”
“I’m here because of the situation,” said recipient Luis Montoya. “I have been a month without a job and things are getting tight a little bit.”
“I appreciate what the people are doing for the community,” said another recipient.
Organizers said approximately 1,000 families were given groceries at the Mills Pond Park distribution.
In Deerfield Beach, another park was transformed into a drive-thru food distribution.
Feeding South Florida handed out groceries at Quiet Waters Park, located at 401 Powerline Rd., to dozens grateful for the help.
In Miami-Dade County, a drive-thru distribution was held at Royal Oaks Park.
Farm Share teamed up with the Office of Miami-Dade Commissioner Esteban Bovo, Jr. and the Office of Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid to hold the distribution.
The distribution began at 9 a.m., but vehicles started lining up outside of the park at 2 a.m.
In Doral, distribution started at 10 a.m. for drive-thru only.
Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez said, “This is a time of need and we all got to rally around elected officials, regular residents, no matter what age, no what matter what creed, no matter what ethnicity or race, South Florida coming together is a beautiful thing.”
Chicken, canned food, fruits and vegetables were among the items dozens were able to take home to their families.
The groceries handed out were said to be enough to last a week for a family of four.
“We’re going to be doing these events more often here in this part of the community,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Esteban Bovo. “We want to continue to help. We see the need. We’ve had people lined up since 2 o’clock in the morning, which kind of is an indicator that people need a helping hand. Thank God we got folks that want to do that, a lot of neighbors helping neighbors. As long as the economy is where it’s at, this is going to be the new norm, at least temporarily.”
For a full list of food distributions taking place across South Florida on Friday, click here.
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