World News – UK – Due to the COVID pandemic, food demand continues to be high across South Florida ahead of Thanksgiving

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – People were lining up at 5:30 a.m.. m. Wednesday at a grocery giveaway at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation as food demand continues to be high across South Florida ahead of Thanksgiving.

« I’m so overwhelmed. That’s a nice thing. I am really blessed that you are helping my family over the vacation. Thank you, Association “, said the food recipient Ladee Glenn.

Glenn is overjoyed with this kosher food distribution drive-through event. Many say it is exactly what their families need during these troubled days.

« It’s very important. I am unemployed and have received nothing, absolutely nothing, and I am so grateful for that, ”said Maria Weberman, who also received food.

Hundreds of people stood up and down on Biscayne Boulevard at 42nd Street and Northeast 2nd Avenue for hours to get flowers first and then a package containing a frozen kosher turkey breast, non-perishable items, and challah (hall-ah) receive. .

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For Weberman, this was especially special given what her family has been through.

« How severe was this pandemic?. Very difficult. Very difficult. Difficult for my children who are at home at school and have no jobs during this pandemic. It was very difficult. And when asked what this means for her, Weberman said, “The world. to survive. ”

When the mayor of Miami-Dade, Daniella Levine Cava, distributes the free food, she too is affected by the hardship.

“We have to be so grateful, but so many people are fighting. This is very nice and important and those who can spend these items. This is a treasure to help people suffering from the virus and health issues, who have lost jobs, and are struggling to pay rent and just put something to eat on the table. ”

The Jewish Federation has partnered with other organizations to respond to the economic hardship and food insecurity created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

« Because of the COVID crisis, there is just one big need and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is answering the call, » said Michelle Ben-Aviv of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

« Definitely means a lot, which we are stepping back on because these are tough times, » said grocery recipient Jose Caiceeo.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation has partnered with the county and groups like Farm Share and Repair the World.

Meanwhile, there was a drive-through distribution for Farm Share groceries at the Vann Academy in Sweetwater. Sweetwater Mayor Orlando Lopez said: “We understand the needs people feel during this time of need. His comments were also reflected by Republican Statewoman Anna Maria Rodriguez, who said, “The message is that you are not alone. We are here to serve this community. ”

In Hialeah, Lazaritos barber shop was giving away groceries for the seventh time in a row. Owner Lazaro Gamon said he had 600 turkeys and 1. 000 meals given away. « I’m here to give back, » he said. “I was born and raised in this neighborhood and I have to give something back. I only find it right to help. You know what I mean. It doesn’t take much to help. ”

In Fort Lauderdale, local veterans received free meals thanks to the South Florida Institute on Aging. Eugene Andresen, who helps the agency, is a member of the American Legion and the Kiwanis Club and is a veteran, told CBS4, “With the pandemic, needs are great and needs are growing. ”

In Miami, Mayor Francis Suarez announced a new plan to help people during this pandemic. He said Tuesday the next week the city would start a program at 2pm. 000 residents gift cards for Publix supermarkets. He said there would be five events where people could pick up their tickets. He said to be eligible you must live in Miami and sign an affidavit stating that you have a loss of income due to COVID-19. He said he was able to start this program under federal law on concerns.

He encourages interested parties to register through the city’s website or go to Miamigov. com / grocery store or call (305) 250-5300.

Thanksgiving, Florida, Demand, Miami