Every week, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, alongside local police and community partners, drops a lifeline to families in need by distributing enough food to feed 500 households across parks in Riviera Beach and Fort Lauderdale, and several locations in Miami. This effort is powered by Law Enforcement Coordination and Community Outreach Section (LEC/COS) staff and volunteers who provide staples like bread, canned goods, and poultry, courtesy of a collaboration with Farm Share Inc., a non-profit dedicated to alleviating hunger.
The events, which kick off at a bright and early 9 a.m. each Tuesday, do more than just hand out food; they distribute hope, with residents walking away with up to 40 pounds of food items depending on household size, the items provided so families can bring meals to their tables in times when such certainty is a boon, never guaranteed, especially in the clutch of food insecurity. "Bless you and thank you all for doing what you do," a Riviera Beach local was quoted in a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, "We appreciate you."
The gratitude expressed by the community is a source of pride and motivation for those behind the scenes, with LEC/COS Chief J.D. Smith and Community Outreach Specialist Corey Mackay speaking to the fulfilling nature of their work. Smith highlighted how the established community venues like parks and recreation centers make an ideal backdrop for these events, being staples within the community and easily accessible. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office statement, Mackay added, "It feels good to know that we’re making a difference in so many peoples’ lives; these food distributions are something I look forward to, I enjoy interacting with members of our community."
Those who wish to contribute to the cause or are in need of assistance should know the organizers remain as committed to service as they have always been, reassured by the consistent demand and their capacity to meet it, with Smith saying, "We’ve been doing these for years and the demand has remained consistent, we’re honored to be able to host these events, community service is what drives our unit, there is nothing more important." Volunteering opportunities and details on attending a food distribution event can be found on Farm Share's website or by contacting the USAO Violence Reduction Partnership directly.
