Imagine not knowing where your next meal will come from. For too many people in South Florida, this is a reality. 1.2 million people do not have food security in South Florida.
One organization is leading the way towards hunger-relief: Feeding South Florida. Their mission: to get food from those who have it to those who don’t.
I had the opportunity to speak with Paco Vélez, the CEO of the non-profit powerhouse.
He spoke to me about the challenges of getting food to those who need it the most: children and the elderly. He explained how the organization provides meals to 1.2 million people over four counties including Monroe. He also told me about their programs and events, like the inspiring art competition Feed Your Creativity, which is now accepting submissions from K-12 students until April 30th.
Tiffany Castro, 11th Grade (OVERALL WINNER/ FSF Team Favorite – Coral Springs Charter School) Pictured Above
Paco, who has been working with food security for over twenty years, said this work allows him to pursue two of his main passions: “solving challenges and serving people.”
His main mission is getting food from those who have it-growers, producers, retail businesses and others-to the tables of those who don’t. Some of the challenges the organization encounters include fuel and transportation cost, timeliness, and food quality. The meals need to be culturally appropriate, allergen free, and healthy. For instance, he can’t get peanut butter to someone with a peanut allergy.
“The organization is committed to providing nutritious food and dedicates significant effort to ensuring access to healthy options, including fresh produce sourced from local farmers.” -Paco Vélez
With these challenges come a lot of hard work, but it’s not all struggle. The organization also hosts many fun-filled events to raise awareness about food insecurity like the latest art competition: Feed Your Creativity. The sixth annual competition allows students from different schools to come together for a good cause, feeding the hungry. Students make up a significant portion of the population that receives their support. Unfortunately, too many students in South Florida are dealing with food insecurity.
About 50% of public school students in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties are eligible for free or reduced priced lunches. That’s more than 300,000 kids. Feeding South Florida helps feed these children through their children’s programs: After School Meals, Backpack Programs, School Pantry Program and Summer Meals. Summer Meals, in particular, assists in feeding the those who might go hungry during the summer months when they are not in school. Feed Your Creativity is part of the “Summer Hunger Ends Here” initiative, dedicated to raising awareness and funds to help resolve the situation.
Aside from students they also help the elderly.
They have three programs for the elderly: Commodity Supplemental Food Program, Senior Food Boxes, and Home Delivery Program. All in all, feeding South Florida has a great responsibility on their hands. So lend them a hand. There are many ways to get involved from donations to preparations to delivery. It’s not just immediate food insecurity they are resolving but also future food security. Looking to the future, they are striving to create more opportunities for sustainable food in light of a warming climate, which has been affecting South Florida. Their focus on a brighter future is clear in the theme for this year’s art competition: Nourishing Futures This Summer. The winner will be announced on May 15th during Gallery Night at Feeding South Florida in Pembroke Park.
“As more viable options for sustainable and plant-based foods become available, the organization will dedicate efforts to incorporating them as part of its strategy to help families move out of food insecurity.” -Paco Vélez
The winning art work will be displayed on a 36-foot truck as a truck wrap. The tractor/trailer will travel throughout Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. The truck reveal celebration will be held at the school of the first-place winner on Thursday, May 29. All students’ artwork will be displayed at Feeding South Florida Pembroke Park and Boynton Beach warehouses. Make sure to get the word out. Students have until the 30th of April to submit artwork.
For more information visit Feeding South Florida.
Miami Chronicles 