Hunger in the US is a largely hidden issue that is far more widespread than most know. The pandemic compounded this, and left many families struggling to meet their basic needs. The economic impact of the world on lockdown and the difficulties that families with high-risk family members faced caused many to simply go without. It is estimated that 10.2% of the population faces food insecurity.
Feeding South Florida is one organization that is taking this challenge head on, distributing 175 million pounds of food in 2020 alone. They partner with over 500 retails store who donate perishable food. By leveraging these relations and through the hard work of volunteers and partner agencies, the organized large-scale drive-up distribution efforts to do all they could to ensured that no family went hungry.
HCIM traveled to Ft. Lauderdale in July of 2021 for their annual All Colleague Meeting, and the team, along with their families, took time away from their meetings to make a positive impact and support Feeding South Florida’s efforts. Colleagues, their partners, and even their children helped with food rescue, box packing, and running items between stations on one Saturday morning.
If you’re not familiar with food rescue, it is the practice of sorting incoming donations and gleaning edible food that would normally end up in a landfill. It’s estimated that 70 billion pounds of food is thrown away each year. Volunteers with Feeding South Florida sort food and are able to ensure that safe, healthy, and nutritious food makes it to the families in need.
Our team collectively sorted over 35,000 pounds of food and helped pack 18 pallets of donation boxes that were then distributed. In addition to our time spent volunteering, HCIM also made $3,000 donation to support the vital work Feeding South Florida does. They are able to stretch every donation and for every dollar donated, FSF is able to serve nine meals. This means that HCIM’s donation helped provide 27,000 meals!
To learn more about how you can help to fight hunger, visit Feeding American to find a local food bank.