Catholic Health Services teams up with Feeding South Florida

September is Hunger Awareness Month and Catholic Health Services teamed up with Feeding South Florida by sponsoring a Mobile Pantry Program in Hialeah Gardens.

Several hundred potatoes were sorted through and prepared to be distributed with the aid of Catholic Health Services and Feeding South Florida.

The residents in these neighborhoods live below the federal poverty level, as determined by the United States Government. Through Feeding South Florida’s Mobile Food Pantry, individuals and families are able to access fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and bread that are so vital to maintaining a proper diet.

Team CHS’ distributed over 10, 000 pounds of food and fed over 300 families who are food insecure. There are 871,920 food insecure individuals in South Florida alone. Feeding South Florida (FSF) is part of the Feeding America network consisting of 202 food banks. FSF has the largest service area in Florida, serving 30% of the state’s food insecure population. FSF is the leading domestic hunger relief organization in South Florida, serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties.

“It felt special being able to give back to our neighbors since St. Catherine’s West Rehabilitation Hospital is just a few blocks away from our distribution area. It really hit home” stated Jaime Gonzalez, Administrator for St. Catherine’s Hospitals.

Catholic Health Services continues to look for ways to serve the community in keeping with our mission of providing care and services to those in need. To learn more about Catholic Health Services, go to www.catholichealthservices.org.

Photo credit:  Members of Catholic Health Services prepare to distribute fresh produce to those in need.