Miami-Dade fairgrounds has a new purpose feeding families in need

Hundreds of cars lined up Friday morning at the fairgrounds in West Miami-Dade County for food giveaway coordinated by Feeding South Florida, the Palmetto Bay Neighbors Alliance and area state representatives.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – At this time last year, it was bustling with children and laughter and rides. Now, the site of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair is a food distribution center for people struggling with the financial fallout of the coronavirus outbreak.

ā€œAnybody who has doubts about the economic effect that the pandemic has had on the local community can look out on the line of cars,ā€ said state Rep. Juan Fernandez Barquin.

Hundreds of cars lined up Friday morning for another food distribution at the fairgrounds — this one coordinated by Feeding South Florida, the Palmetto Bay Neighbors Alliance and area state representatives.

As unemployment numbers skyrocket, so does hunger, leaders say.

ā€œWe’ve been doing this for the last two weeks,ā€ state Rep. Vance Aloupis said. ā€œWe’re hoping to do it every week moving forward as we move through this pandemic. But really [it’s] our team, our delegation coming together to make sure we’re serving as many people in South Florida as possible.ā€

Cereal, milk, fresh produce and a variety of frozen foods were loaded up for 700 families.

ā€œWhen you’re dropping off that bag of goods in their car, they’re just thankful,ā€ state Rep. Daniel Perez said. ā€œWhen they see you drop that bag off, you see a smile from ear to ear. It’s a truly special experience, one that I’m very lucky to experience with them.ā€

ALSO SEE: Bring the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair to your home with virtual attractions


About the Author:

Saira Anwer joined the Local 10 News team in July 2018. Saira is two-time Emmy-nominated reporter and comes to South Florida from Madison, Wisconsin, where she was working as a reporter and anchor.