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Hundreds of families lined up to participate in the drive-up distribution event held at Southland Mall.
In an effort to ensure students have the resources needed to succeed in the classroom, Florida Technical College (FTC) and the Miami Dolphins joined forces recently to host “Fuel for the Brain and Body” back-to-school event. During the event, a total of 1,000 backpacks and 1,000 packaged meals were distributed on a first come, first served basis. The drive-up event took place on Friday, August 20 at Southland Mall on S. Dixie Highway, Miami.
“School starts on Monday and we want to make sure students return to school with the tools they need to start the school year with confidence,” stated Dr. James Michael Burkett, president of FTC. “Thanks to our partnership with the Miami Dolphins, 1,000 families will be able to send their kids to school on the first day, fully prepared for school.”
Free backpacks were distributed to school aged children. In partnership with the Miami Dolphins Foundation Food Relief Program, 1,000 hot meals were prepared by Mike and Jackie’s BBQ & Catering and distributed to the children and families in attendance.
“We’re thrilled with the turnout and participation we received at our first back-to-school event of the season,” said Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs Jason Jenkins. “It was rewarding to see our contribution to the nutrition and educational readiness students need to return to school, and we hope these initiatives helped ease the burden for these families.”
Upon arrival at the drive-thru event, families were greeted by the Miami Dolphin’s cheerleading squad with meals and backpacks that were then loaded in the trunk or bed of their vehicle.
This initiative was part of a partnership agreement signed earlier this year between the educational institution and sports franchise, which aims to provide meals and essential resources to families in need in South Florida.
