What Economic Recovery? 1,000+ Line up for Free Food in Miami

Would you stand in line, for hours, in 91°F temp under the scorching sun, for a box of free food?

More than a thousand people in Miami did just that on Friday, Aug. 22.

Marybel Rodriguez reports for CBS Miami that the food giveaway event located at the Central Shopping Plaza at 3825 NW 7th Street started at 9:00 a.m.

Participants got a box of free vegetables, meats and bread worth $100 until 12:00 p.m.–or until supplies lasted. Those who didn’t want to stand in line could wait in their car for the drive-thru portion of the event.

Francis Suarez

Farm Share partnered up with Miami city commissioner Francis Suarez for the massive food giveaway in a neighborhood in need. Suarez said, “We are a city of tales; the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots.’ The city is growing tremendously but we also have a very poor city. The need is far greater than the supply that we have.”

In the parking lot, tents were set up and dozens of volunteers were on hand to help the residents fill their boxes with vegetables, chicken, juice and gift card to Winn-Dixie.

Many of those lined up were elderly. One man was so overcome by heat, he had to be treated and transported. Others tried cooling themselves off with paper fans that were given out; some stood under the shade of their own umbrella.

Those who managed to tough it out said it’s something they had to do.

Brittany Payne, a mother of three, stood in line for hours with her baby boy because “It’s something I have to do to feed my kids. It’s a blessing because if it wasn’t for them I couldn’t eat today.”

Julio Exposito said he never thought he would be doing this, “Not in my wildest dreams.”

The distribution was on a first come first serve basis. By 11:15 a.m. the food had run out. For those who were still in line Commissioner Suarez spoke with them promising another giveaway soon.