DANIA BEACH, Fla. – A kosher food distribution site in Dania Beach was suddenly shut down this week.
All day long Wednesday the cars pulled in. Driver after driver looking for food for their families were forced to leave empty handed.
They are angry and upset, receiving an explanation on a piece of paper instead of food for their families.
“As a father, it’s hard when you’re trying to support your kids at a time like this,” said Israel Godfried.
The organizers of the kosher food bank that runs through the Florida Department of Agriculture has been operating since June 2020. They distribute kosher meals throughout the state.
“We serve 4,000 children a week, 1,500 families,” said Dovie Katz, who runs the food bank. “What’s going to happen, they won’t be getting food this week.”
They have been providing free meals from a location off Griffin Road since last October.
Last week they received a notice from the City of Dania Beach, which read:
“Your special event application will be revoked immediately due to life safety and traffic concerns expressed by the Broward Sheriff’s office.”
Local 10 News reached out to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, and they said the City of Dania Beach revoked the permit.
That is not true, according to the food bank.
BSO said the issue is out of their hands and that it’s a city issue.
They also said the city and BSO had received complaints from residents in that area complaining about traffic.
In the meantime, food that is needed by South Florida families will go waste.
“We are working to find a new location, but we plead with the Broward Sheriff to give us a week or two or three to get our new location set up,” said Katz.
A solution is being prayed for, as all those families leave Dania Beach searching for food.