Steps to Find Food Distributions for Children

It's heartbreaking to know that children are hungry, and your website "Free Food Share and Connect" can be a crucial resource. Here are the steps individuals and families can take to find food distributions specifically designed to feed hungry children, with a focus on Hollywood, Florida:

Steps to Find Food Distributions for Children in Hollywood, FL

Step 1: Utilize Online Search Tools & Directories

Many organizations maintain online locators and calendars. Start with these reliable sources:

• Feeding South Florida's Distribution Locator:

  • Visit: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/distribution_locator/

  • This is a primary resource for all of South Florida, including Hollywood. Look for specific distribution events in your area. They often list dates, times, and locations, and sometimes note if a distribution is geared towards families or children.

  • Crucial Tip: Check the calendar on the day of the distribution, as times and locations can change.

• USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder (During Summer Months):

  • Visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder

  • During summer break (roughly June, July, August), this is the go-to for free meals for children 18 and under. These are often served at schools, community centers, and parks. Just enter your zip code.

• Local Food Bank & Pantry Directories:

  • Broward College Community Food Bank Directory: https://www.broward.edu/students/seahawk-outreach/food-bank-directory.html

  • BrowardConnections.org Food Pantries: https://www.browardconnections.org/food-pantries.html

  • These lists often provide names, addresses, and contact numbers for various pantries in Hollywood and surrounding areas. Look for those specifically mentioning "family" or "children's" programs.

Step 2: Contact Key Local Organizations Directly

Some of the most impactful organizations that coordinate food assistance for children in Hollywood include:

• Feeding South Florida:

  • Main Phone: 954-518-1818 (Broward & Miami-Dade Counties)

  • They are the largest food bank in the region and partner with many local pantries and meal programs. They can help you find a partner agency near you that serves families with children.

• Jubilee Center of South Broward (Hollywood):

  • Address: 2020 Scott Street, Hollywood, FL 33020

  • Phone: 954-920-0106

  • Known for providing a range of social services, including food assistance. Call them for their specific distribution times and requirements.

• Community Enhancement Collaboration, Inc. (CEC) / Washington Park (Hollywood):

  • Address: 5648 Wiley Street, Hollywood, FL 33021

  • Phone: 954-987-0625

  • They have a client-choice food pantry and often have distributions. Call ahead for their current schedule and requirements.

• Liberia Economic and Social Development Inc.:

  • Address: 2334 Green St. Hollywood, FL 33020 (Note: Another source lists 3220 N 24th Avenue)

  • Phone: 954-924-3635

  • They have a food pantry, typically open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Call to confirm hours and what to bring.

• Mobile School Pantry:

  • Website: https://mobileschoolpantry.org/

  • This organization specifically provides nutritious groceries to children and families at low-income schools in South Florida. Check their site for locations and programs.

• City of Hollywood Social Services:

  • Phone: 954-921-3271

  • Email: communitydevelopment@hollywoodfl.org

  • The city's social services department can often guide you to local resources and programs.

Step 3: Explore Government Assistance Programs

These programs provide long-term food security for eligible families:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / Food Stamps:

  • What it is: A federal program that provides benefits on an EBT card to buy food at grocery stores.

  • How to apply: The fastest way is online through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) website: https://www.myflfamilies.com/accessflorida. You can also find a Community Partner ACCESS site for in-person help.

  • Eligibility: Based on household income, size, and other factors. The website will guide you through this.

  • What to bring (for application/interview): Proof of identity, residency, income, and household members (children's birth certificates, school records).

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children):

  • What it is: Provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children (up to age 5) who meet income guidelines.

  • How to apply: Contact your local Florida Department of Health office in Broward County.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Visit

To make your experience as smooth as possible:

• Call Ahead: Always call the food pantry or distribution site beforehand to confirm hours, what documents to bring (ID, proof of address, proof of children/household members), and if an appointment is needed.

• Bring Documentation: Have necessary identification for yourself and your children (e.g., photo ID, birth certificates, school records, mail with your current address).

• Bring Bags/Cart: Food distributions can provide a lot of food, so be prepared to carry it. Reusable bags, a backpack, or a small cart can be very helpful.

• Be Patient and Kind: Volunteers and staff are there to help. There might be lines or waiting times, especially at popular distributions.

• Ask Questions: If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask the staff or volunteers.

Step 5: Consider School Programs

• School Pantry Programs: Many schools, especially those in lower-income areas, operate their own food pantries for students and their families. Contact your child's school directly to inquire about this.

• Backpack Programs: Some schools send children home with backpacks full of food for the weekend to ensure they don't go hungry when school meals aren't available. Ask your school if they participate in such a program.

By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the resources available in Hollywood, Florida, to ensure your children have access to the nutritious food they need. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and there are many people and organizations dedicated to supporting families.

Finding food assistance for children in need in Dade County, Florida, is a critical task. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you proceed:

1. Contact Major Food Banks and Hunger Relief Organizations:

These organizations are often the hub for food distribution in a region and can direct you to local pantries and programs.

• Feeding South Florida: This is a primary resource for Miami-Dade County.

  • Website: Check their website (feedingsouthflorida.org) for their "Find an Agency" or "Distribution Locator" tool to find partner agencies, food pantries, and special distribution events in your area.

  • Phone: You can also call their client services line: 954-518-1857 (for Broward & Miami-Dade Counties).

  • They also offer assistance with SNAP, WIC, and TANF applications.

• Farm Share: Another significant food bank that holds free food distributions.

  • Website: Visit farmshare.org for their distribution schedule and locations.

• Feeding America: While Feeding South Florida is part of the Feeding America network, you can also use Feeding America's national "Find Your Local Food Bank" tool (feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank) by entering your Dade County zip code.

2. Explore County and City-Specific Programs:

Local government agencies often have programs designed to address food insecurity.

• Miami-Dade County Summer Food Service Program: If you are looking for assistance during school breaks, this program provides free meals to children 18 and under.

  • Website: Check the Miami-Dade County website (miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1643994357751941) for details, training dates, and application information for sites.

  • Phone: Contact Dawn Beckford at 786-469-4686 or Susanne DeMatas at 786-469-4671.

• NoMi Food Pantry (North Miami): If you are a resident of North Miami, this pantry offers essential items and holds bi-monthly food distributions. They also participate in the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

  • Phone: 305-895-9896 or 305-893-6511, Extensions 20013 or 20000.

  • Website: nomicares.org

3. Look into Specialized Food Assistance and Community Resources:

• Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) provides nutritional support for low-income individuals and families.

  • Website: myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap

  • Phone: 850-300-4323

  • SNAP eligibility can also qualify you for other benefits like the National School Lunch Program.

• Florida Healthy Start Coalition of Miami-Dade - Food Assistance: This coalition provides a list of various food assistance programs and organizations in Miami-Dade.

  • Website: hscmd.org/communityresources/foodassistance/

  • This page lists organizations like 211, Curley's House of Style Food Bank, Homestead Soup Kitchen, JCS Kosher Food Bank, and Caring for Miami Mobile Market, among others.

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

  • Website: foodforlifenetwork.org

• Christ Journey Church - Feed Miami: This church collects non-perishable food items and partners with other organizations to distribute them to children and families in need throughout Miami-Dade County. They accept donations and welcome volunteers for food drives.

  • Phone: 305-448-4425 x 402

  • Website: christjourney.org/feed-miami/

• Build a Better Tomorrow: A non-profit organization focused on relieving hunger and malnutrition, especially for children. They have monthly live food distribution events in North Miami Beach.

  • Phone: 305-944-2222

  • Website: buildabettertomorrow.org

4. Utilize Online Search and Community Hotlines:

• 211: Dial 211 or visit 211.org. This is a vital community service that can connect you to various social services, including food assistance programs, in your local area.

• Google Search: Use specific keywords like "food pantry near me Dade County," "free food for kids Miami-Dade," "children's food assistance Miami," or "emergency food Dade County."

Steps to Take When You Find a Resource:

1. Verify Information: Always call ahead to confirm operating hours, eligibility requirements, necessary documentation (e.g., ID, proof of residency, income verification), and whether they have specific programs for children.

2. Ask About Programs for Children: Explicitly ask if they have programs or specific food items geared towards children, such as kid-friendly foods, formula, or baby food.

3. Transportation: Plan how you will get to the food distribution site. Some organizations may offer delivery for certain situations.

4. Be Prepared: Bring bags or boxes to carry the food, and any requested documentation.

5. Don't Give Up: If one place isn't a good fit or doesn't have what you need, keep trying. There are many organizations dedicated to helping families with food insecurity in Dade County.

By following these steps, you should be able to connect with resources that can provide much-needed food assistance for hungry children in Dade County, Florida.