The situation is bleak and, with the arrival of the holidays, only getting bleaker. Food insecurity is rising in America and, according to some reports, is about as bad as it was during the Great Recession of 2008-2010.
While food drives are common this time of year, the sense of urgency runs high. Some organizations, including Pink Nail Society and FLoatarama, are new to holding food collections while others, including Sunshine Cathedral, have it down to a science.
“Food donations are up because it seems that many people understand the need right now,” Rev. Anne Atwell of Sunshine said. “But we haven't seen much in the way of financial donations.”
Although the government shutdown has ended, many families are still struggling to access food assistance, and local organizations say the need has continued to rise.
Communities Come Together
Groups in and around Wilton Manors are stepping up to do what they can. Pink Nail Society recently held a food drive at Gray Box Theater.
“We’ve had a great turnout so far,” Pink Nail founder Stephen Tendrich said. “Bring canned goods and non-perishable items.”
Food from their drive goes to Jack & Jill Center, the longest operating childcare center in Fort Lauderdale. Pink Nail focuses on early detection of prostate cancer, but when Tendrich met the Jack & Jill team, he knew he found a partner to help do more.
“This is all for lower income families,” Jack & Jill’s Patti Hommes said. “Demand is up because benefits have been cut. Our families don’t have access to what they need and many times can’t afford to buy food.”
On Veterans Day, FLoatarama, Hunters, and WMPD helped collect food outside the nightclub. It was heartwarming to watch. As one car after another pulled up, volunteers unloaded the donations, which were taken to a sorting table and loaded onto a U-Haul by WMPD Chief Gary Blocker and Asst. Chief Darren Brodsky.
“Everybody we’ve talked with has just been panicked,” FLoatarama founder Scott Schramm said. “People don’t have the money to put food on the table every day, then we have the holidays coming up.”
Food from this drive went to three schools that also run food banks.
Jason Nuñez of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce says he sees hope in our community.
“We’ve seen a lot of businesses come forward, see the demand, and fill the gap that the government is not providing.”
Bears of South Florida were also active that night, with Brock Boyd rallying his community to come out.
“We have over 3,500 members and 200 volunteers. People want to protect this community and make it better for everybody.”
Marty Kiar’s Office of the Broward County Property Appraiser will hold its 10th annual grocery giveaway on Nov. 22, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, from 9 a.m. to noon.
The drive-thru distribution will take place on the sprawling front lawn of the Sanctuary Church at 1400 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale.
