Farm Share hands out food to 1,500 Miami families

Event attendees received box of food valued at $100

MIAMI – More than 1,500 people showed up to a Winn Dixie shopping center in Miami, hoping to get $100 worth of free groceries from Farm Share on Friday.

The event was held from 9-12 p.m. at the Central Shopping Plaza at 3825 NW 7 Street.

The organization teamed up with Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez and others for the good cause that for some went wrong. One thousand meals were provided, but many were unprepared for just how hot it was going to be outside Friday, and how long they would be standing in line.

Miami police officers handed out waters throughout the event, while Miami firefighters tended to and transported those who needed more help. Authorities said there were five people taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion, and six were treated at the scene.

Authorities said they were bringing in more water and fans for the people who were still in line by noon.

Those who attended Friday's event received a box of vegetables, meats and bread valued at $100.

Farm Share has been serving low income families since 1991, and has distributed nearly 287 million pounds of food free of charge to families in need.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.