MIAMI – It’s estimated that more than 2 million Floridians lack access to healthy food including people of all ages and abilities.
The Local 10 Food for Thought campaign was created to raise awareness about hunger in our communities. This year, that mission brought us to Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
In partnership with Publix, we delivered shelf-stable foods for the seniors, age 60 and older, the Lighthouse serves. On packing day, Local 10 also worked with the Lions District Hunger Relief, who for the past three years has provided nutritional support to Lighthouse families. The Lions pack meals for every child receiving education and instruction at the nonprofit.
“We pack two breakfast, two lunch, two dinners and two snacks for every weekend through the school year,” said Elizabeth Fisher, Chairman of Lions District Hunger Relief.”
“A blind person can do everything a sighted person does,” said Virginia Jacko, President & CEO of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. “They might do it differently, and I am going to add to that today, and they may need a little bit of help and that’s what’s happening here today.”
In less than two hours, volunteers packed 85 bags of food filled with protein-rich foods and easy to heat items.
“As a community, if we come together, amazing things can happen and that’s what we did today,” said Lindsey Willis, Publix Media Relations Manager. “Not only did we partner with other organizations in the community, but we also got to help the families that will actually benefit from these meals today. We got to meet them. We got to hear their story.”
Willis is referring to senior food recipient Carmen Davis, who lost her vision at the tender age of 11.
“Everything is so expensive now that it’s a big, big help,” said Davis. “It’s a blessing.”
The volunteers also met seven-year-old Major Clarke, who was born with albinism and a related visual disorder.
“Every time Major comes home once a week, he has a bag and it comes with little goodies, and I feel as though it is needed,” said Major’s mom Breanna Clarke. “And you never know what you need in your refrigerator.”
Annually, the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired serves approximately 18,000 kids and 2,000 seniors.
“We want to provide hope,” added Fisher. “So coming together as a community is how we all can make a difference.”
To find out more about the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, visit https://miamilighthouse.org/.