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PORCH Pinecrest is transforming how South Florida communities tackle childhood hunger through an innovative porch-to-school delivery model that gets food directly to students in need.
The all-volunteer organization was launched in 2024 and is one of 52 chapters under the national PORCH Communities umbrella. They collect food through once-a-month neighborhood drives and have an Amazon wish list. Then they deliver these contributions directly to local food pantries inside schools.
Maryann Rio is the founder of the Porch Pinecrest Chapter. She started the non-profit when she found out that there were students in Miami Palmetto High School who experience food insecurity.
“We started PORCH Pinecrest last year because we wanted to give food to the kids that are in need in the local community,” said Rio. “We figured what better way to do it than to bring food to the schools where kids and their families have access to it.”
PORCH also delivers food to Miami Southridge Senior High School and Caribbean Elementary School, where families lack access to food pantries that are more readily available in northern sections of Miami-Dade County. The solution was bringing food directly to schools where children spend their days.
The organization’s monthly model is remarkably efficient. Once a month on collection day, residents leave food donations on their front porches. Volunteers then coordinate the pickup. Within two hours, they gather substantial amounts of food and transport everything directly to participating schools.
The monthly drive relies on consistent neighborhood participation and community commitment. PORCH Pinecrest offers diverse volunteer opportunities to match different interests and availability. Residents can donate food, serve as student volunteers, collect bags on pickup days, or coordinate their specific Pinecrest neighborhood.
The organization maintains close communication with school administrators to ensure donations meet current needs. Donations of any shelf-stable or non-perishable food are welcome. Distribution partners most frequently request cereal, oatmeal, rice, beans, pasta, sauces, crackers, granola bars, canned chicken, tuna, soups, vegetables, fruits, peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix, syrup, individualized snacks and mac and cheese.
Interested residents can learn more about volunteer opportunities and donation guidelines through the organization’s website at porchcommunities.org/pinecrest-fl.
PORCH Pinecrest was this month’s recipient of the HaPPi spotlight. The HaPPI (Happy Pinecrest People Initiative) program was designed to celebrate residents, business owners, and village staff who make Pinecrest a happier place. To nominate someone deserving of this recognition, visit www.pinecrest-fl.gov and search for HaPPI Spotlight.
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