Commissioner Eileen Higgins partners with Unity Groves, as part of the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program, to provide 19,200 fresh produce boxes to District 5 residents continuing to face food insecurity amidst County reopening
MIAMI-DADE – In partnership with Unity Groves, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, District 5, is distributing 19,200 20-pound fresh produce boxes to district residents facing food insecurity over a six-week period as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
The structure that Commissioner Higgins has created to distribute these boxes is an innovative pilot to provide fresh, Florida-grown produce directly to County residents who will continue to face food insecurity even as the economy recovers. These distributions focus particularly on seniors, hospitality workers, and families without access to cars in District 5.
The participation in this program comes on the heels of the passage of legislation sponsored by Commissioner Higgins directing the County administration to provide a comprehensive solution to get food to residents without a car.
“Food distributions throughout the County remain mostly drive-through only, leaving behind populations which are already vulnerable - especially in District 5 where over 20% do not have a car,” said Commissioner Higgins. “Working with organizations deeply rooted in the community, I feel relieved to know that fresh food is making it to the dining tables of abuela and abuelo, children, and unemployed workers. I am grateful to Unity Groves and the Farmers to Families Food Box Program for providing the infrastructure and volume of healthy, fresh food required to meet the needs of District 5’s most vulnerable residents.”
Community partners include: American Veterans Assistance Program, CAMACOL, Calvary Chapel, Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Miami, Centro Mater, ConnectFamilias, Cuban American National Council, Douglas Gardens Community Mental Health Center, Gesu Church, Iglesia Bautista Resurreccion, Iglesia San Juan Bosco, Kiwanis of Little Havana, Latinos Salud, Miami Lighthouse For The Blind, New Life Family Therapy, Riverside United Methodist Church, Salvation Army, St. Francis Desales Catholic Church, Survivor’s Pathway, Talmudic University, and Viernes Culturales.
Last week, Commissioner Higgins kicked off the program by distributing 3,200 20-pound boxes to residents in Little Havana and Miami Beach by collaborating with community partners, faith-based organizations, and public housing senior buildings. As a part of the weekly distributions, District 5 has partnered with food pantries in Little Havana to host two fixed distribution locations weekly for residents with or without cars.
The food distributions are made possible with the support of the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program, a new program launched in response to the COVID-19 National Emergency, aimed at supporting America’s agricultural community and ensuring that families in need have access to fresh and wholesome foods during this crisis.
Unity Groves, located in Redland, Florida, is a full-service grower, packer and shipper of mostly Florida grown produce. “Unity Groves is honored to serve the community and get needed resources into the hands of residents as a distributor for the USDAs Farmers to Families Food Box Program,” said Louie Carricarte, President of Unity Groves. “This is a well thought out program from the USDA that is having such meaningful outcomes for so many. Our teams take great pride in our local and Florida agriculture we hand pack into every box. We truly appreciate all that serve Miami-Dade County and their hardworking efforts to assist each week.”
Unity Groves was awarded a USDA contract to provide 75,000 boxes to South Florida for the 6-week period and are working with a roster of nonprofits and government entities to identify the areas most in need. Based on continued funding, the USDA program could be renewed until the end of the year.
The following food distribution events in District 5 are open to the community:
Every Thursday through June 25
Iglesia Bautista Resurreccion
2323 SW 27th Avenue, Miami, Fl 33145
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Walk up and drive-thru
Salvation Army
911 West Flagler Street Miami, Fl 33130
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Walk up and drive-thru
Every Saturday through June 27
Miami-Dade County Auditorium in partnership with Miami-Dade Parks
2901 West Flagler Street Miami, Fl 33135
Distribution begins at 11:00 a.m.
Drive-thru only
For more information, contact Francis Izquierdo at [email protected] or 305-375-5924.