Food Drive List Connection

Finding local food drives can sometimes be a dynamic process as they are often organized by community groups, schools, churches, or businesses for specific periods. However, there are core organizations in Broward and Miami-Dade counties that consistently accept food donations and sometimes organize or list ongoing food drives.

Here's a list of key organizations and how to find food drives in both counties:

I. Major Food Banks & Hunger Relief Organizations (Primary Donation Points):

These organizations are the backbone of food distribution in South Florida and are always looking for donations. They often have ongoing collection efforts or can direct you to current drives.

• Feeding South Florida: This is the largest food bank in South Florida, serving Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties. They are the central hub for food donations and distribution.

  • How to find a food drive or donate:

    • Direct Donations: You can usually drop off non-perishable food directly at their warehouse in Pembroke Park (serving both Broward and Dade). Check their website for current drop-off hours and most-needed items.

    • Host a Food Drive: They actively encourage individuals, schools, businesses, and community groups to host food drives. Their website provides toolkits and guidance for organizing your own drive.

    • Distribution Locator: Their website often has a "Find Food Now" or "Distribution Locator" section which might list upcoming public food distributions, and sometimes these are associated with collection efforts.

    • Website: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/

    • Phone: 954-518-1818

• Farm Share: Another significant non-profit food bank in Florida that distributes food to those in need. They have various distribution points and often organize community-wide food drives.

  • How to find a food drive or donate: Check their "Free Food Distributions" or "Events" section on their website, or contact them directly.

  • Website: https://www.farmshare.org/

II. Key Local Food Pantries and Community Organizations (Broward County):

These organizations operate local food pantries and often welcome direct donations or can inform you of local drives.

• The Pantry of Broward: Focuses on feeding seniors and grand-families in Broward County. They consistently need food donations.

  • Donation Drop-off: Check their website for current drop-off hours (e.g., Monday-Thursday 9 AM – 3 PM) at their Fort Lauderdale location. They also encourage hosting food drives.

  • Website: https://www.thepantryofbroward.org/

• LifeNet4Families: A prominent hunger relief organization in Broward County that provides food, hot meals, and other services.

  • Donations: They accept non-perishable food donations. Check their website for drop-off information.

  • Website: https://lifenet4families.org/

• Jubilee Center of South Broward (Hollywood): Provides various services, including a food pantry, in the Hollywood area.

  • Contact: Check their website or call for current donation needs and drop-off times.

  • Website: https://www.thejubileecenter.org/

• Community Enhancement Collaboration (Hollywood): Offers a client-choice food pantry and other programs for Broward residents. They accept food donations.

  • Donations: Drop-offs are often welcome during regular business hours. Check their website for specific needs and times.

  • Website: https://www.cecwashpark.org/programs

• Poverello Center (Wilton Manors): Focuses on providing food and services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses. They have a food pantry.

  • Donations: Check their website for how to donate food items.

  • Website: https://poverello.org/

• Craig's Pantry (Broward County): A kosher food pantry serving the Jewish community in Broward County.

  • Donations: They accept kosher food donations.

  • Website: https://www.craigspantry.org/

III. Key Local Food Pantries and Community Organizations (Miami-Dade County):

• Food For Life Network: Focuses on providing food and nutritional support to those living with chronic illnesses in Miami-Dade County.

  • Donations: Check their website for donation information.

  • Website: https://www.foodforlifenetwork.org/

• JCS Kosher Food Bank (Jewish Community Services South Florida): The only kosher food bank in Miami-Dade County.

  • Donations: They accept kosher food donations by appointment.

  • Website: https://jcsfl.org/programs/kosher-food-bank/

• The NoMi Food Pantry (North Miami): Operated by the City of North Miami, aiding households experiencing food disparity.

  • Donations: They accept food donations. Check their website for a recommended grocery list and drop-off locations (e.g., Sunkist Grove Community Center, North Miami City Hall, Scott Galvin Community Center).

  • Website: https://nomicares.org/food-donations/

• Christ Journey Church - Feed Miami: Collects non-perishable food items and distributes them through partnerships with other organizations.

  • Donations: Drop off non-perishable food on Sunday mornings in the Feed Miami bin. They also encourage organizing food drives.

  • Website: https://christjourney.org/feed-miami/

• Camillus House (Miami): Provides humanitarian services to the homeless and extremely poor, including meals.

  • Donations: Check their website for current donation needs.

  • Website: https://www.camillus.org/

How to Find Current/Upcoming Food Drives:

1. Check the Websites of Major Food Banks: Feeding South Florida and Farm Share are your best first stops. They often list upcoming community food drives or events.

2. Contact Local Food Pantries Directly: Many smaller pantries rely heavily on direct donations. Call or check their individual websites/social media for their most immediate needs or information on specific drives.

3. Local Community Centers & Churches: Many churches, synagogues, mosques, and community centers regularly host or partner with food drives. Check their calendars or bulletins.

4. Schools and Universities: During specific times of the year (e.g., holidays, back-to-school), schools often organize food drives.

5. Local Government Websites: Some city or county websites (e.g., City of Fort Lauderdale, Miami-Dade County) might have community resources pages that list local charities or food drives.

6. Social Media & Local News: Follow local non-profits, community groups, and local news outlets on social media. They often announce food drives.

7. "AmpleHarvest.org": This website helps connect gardeners with local food pantries to donate excess produce, but it can also be a directory for pantries.

Important Note for Donations:

• Non-Perishable is Key: Most food drives and pantries primarily accept non-perishable, unexpired, and unopened food items (canned goods, pasta, rice, cereals, peanut butter, etc.).

• Check "Most Needed Items": Always check the specific organization's website or call them for a list of their most needed items before donating. This ensures your donation is as impact as possible.

• Perishable Donations: If you have fresh produce or other perishable items, you'll need to coordinate directly with a food bank or pantry that has cold storage capabilities