Food distribution continued for people in need throughout South Florida on Friday.
Beginning at 8 a.m., food was handed out to residents of senior housing buildings in Hialeah, with the help of Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez, Hialeah City Council members, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Esteban Bovo and the Hialeah Housing Authority.
More than 1,400 meals were planned to be passed out during that drive.
Another food drive was held at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, organized by Feeding South Florida with support from Florida State Reps. Vance Aloupis, Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Daniel Perez, Ana Maria Rodriguez and Anthony Rodriguez.
Fresh produce, protein, dairy and shelf-stable items were distributed in a drive-thru fashion to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Some people lined up before dawn to get the free food items. The organization was prepared to distribute 650 meals Friday.
“Anybody who doubts that this affects the economy can look at this parking lot and see the amount of people waiting for the food,” Fernandez-Barquin said.
Florida lawmakers have also partnered with Farm Share and Koinonia Worship Center and Village to host a food drive at the Koinonia Worship Center at 4900 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd. in Pembroke Park. Organizers said they were able to feed more than 500 families.
“We know that we are in a difficult time right now, and individuals are home, but individuals just do not have the resources,” said State Rep. Shevrin Jones, who loaded vehicles with packages of food. “What Farm Share has done and is doing over the next couple of days is very nobel of them.”
The organizers say they’re teaming up with Farm Share to arrange another food distribution site.
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