HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Hundreds of South Florida residents received meals and essential items this weekend as six local organizations joined forces to support families facing food insecurity.
For some in Homestead, the choice between paying rent or buying groceries is a daily struggle.
Dorinan Christful, a 35-year-old resident, said, “You wake up hungry, you’re looking for your next meal. You’re not really sure how you’re going to find.”
Christful is among the one in seven Americans who experience food insecurity.
She described the sacrifices that often come with it, saying, “It’s a sacrifice. Sometimes, you have to do without. My grandmother told me you always have to do without. So that’s what I do.”
The event, organized by United to Feed, included volunteers from Young Dreams Community Outreach, The Closet of Living Hope, One World One Heart, Mau Foundation, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and the Homestead Soup Kitchen.
The groups provided meals, clothing, and hygiene products to attendees.
Noel Gonzalez, United to Feed organizer, said, “We’re all here and able to enjoy the faces and smiles; the fact that we’re making a difference. That’s why we’re here.”
The initiative comes amid growing concern over federal food assistance programs.
Last weekend, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans to eliminate the “household food security report,” a survey that tracks hunger nationwide.
Funding cuts to SNAP, the nation’s largest food assistance program, have also sparked worry among advocates.
Gonzalez added, “Especially in Homestead, in Miami-Dade County, which is one of the poorest sections in our county, we see that impact and the need. There are individuals that have been left without resources.”
Volunteers said the work is vital to giving back to the community.
“It’s absolutely so important. We have been blessed with the opportunity to have jobs, housing, unlimited food sources. It’s selfish for us not to even give back time,” said Krystal, an organizer of the event.
Rodriguez added, “We need each other. If we have the capacity and sources to help, it’s the bare minimum we can do.”
Christful, who has experienced homelessness, credited local support programs with helping her get back on her feet.
She said, “I experienced homelessness and I was displaced. I came down here and I was able to get help from Camilla House from under the bridge to a roof over my head.”
Organizers said about 400 people attended the event and plan to host additional feedings in the near future.
Participating organizations:
- Young Dreams Community Outreach
- The Closet of Living Hope
- One World One Heart
- Mau Foundation
- Greater Miami Jewish Federation
- Homestead Soup Kitchen
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