South Florida Coronavirus Food Distributions Increase As Demand Escalates
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - With more and more people out of work due to the coronavirus, food distributions across South Florida have been drawing big crowds.
For the third time this week, Pastor Conrad Molleda and volunteers of the CDM Community Church handed out meals to members of the West Kendall community. Cars lined up nearly three blocks.
"It's beautiful to see how the church is one of the first responders always in times of crisis and that's what God has called us to do especially this Easter week we're here to serve our community," said Molleda.
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"Monday we had 293 households pass by. Today we've done over 270 bags."
Pastor Conrad, as he is known by the congregation, says the food here is going to families who just experienced job loss because of COVID 19.
Their food donations coming from Farm Share of south Florida which also helped up another distribution site Friday morning at the Cannon Missionary Baptist church.
"I lost my job. I am currently out of work so I really need the help, I have a child at home," said Milvia as she waited patiently in line.
On Friday, she was just one of the hundreds of people who drove their cars through the Caanan Missionary Baptist Church parking lot where bags containing fruit, chicken, potatoes, and pantry goods were placed in their trunks.
"I really appreciate their help," said Milvia
The food distribution was made possible by Miami Mayor Francis Suarez in partnership with Farm Share of South Florida.
Kalenthia Nunnally, a volunteer who helped distribute the food, said 600 families were fed. Unfortunately, she said they wished they could have fed more but they did not have enough supplies.
"It makes me feel good to know we are helping people but it also stresses me a little bit because there are so many we can't help," she said.
Also on Friday, Miami-Dade Schools police, with members of the school district's food and nutrition department, delivered hot meals to people in Overtown.
"I am very happy. This is perfect, it is excellent," said Carmen after receiving her meal.
Feeding South Florida continues to assist thousands, now distributing more than 500-thousand meals a day.
Feeding South Florida will also be at 19 school sites Saturday, April 11. Here are the locations.
NORTH:
- North Miami Elementary
- Hialeah-Miami Lakes SHS
- Hialeah SHS
- Hialeah Gardens SHS
- Miami Carol City SHS
CENTRAL:
- Miami Coral Park SHS
- Miami Northwestern SHS
- Riverside ES
- Miami Jackson Sr. SHS
- Charles Drew K-8 Center
SOUTH:
- Southwest Miami SHS
- Florida City Elementary
- Homestead SHS
- Miami Southridge SHS
- Robert Morgan Ed Center
- Felix Varela SHS
- South Dade SHS
- John Ferguson SHS
- Miami Macarthur Educational Center
They said they've seen a 600% increase in demand since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In just the last three weeks, they have distributed over 9 million pounds of food in the quad-county area. Plus, they added another 130 food distributions on top of and above what they normally distribute each week.
Meanwhile, some organizations are also making sure medical professionals are receiving a well-balanced diet. The sacred space got a team together to bring farm-harvested meals containing superfood ingredients to the UHealth Tower and the University of Miami Health System.
These contain kale, ginger, and mushrooms which are known for their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
The food distribution site in Kendall will stay busy. They're gearing up for another event a week from Friday.
