This year is Feeding America’s 40th Anniversary. Reports indicated that more than 40 million people receive food assistance in the United States. During September, Hunger Action Month, the Feeding America network of 200 food banks set a goal of 40,000 actions to end hunger. Although together the goal was exceeded, we still have a long way to go to end hunger in America. The City of West Park and members of our Youth Council did our part to get one step closer to ending hunger in our community.
Feeding South Florida is the largest, most efficient food bank serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. More than 98% of all donations are put back into the community. The South Florida unit is the leading domestic hunger-relief organization serving 25% of the state’s food insecure population. Recently, within their large food bank warehouse adjacent to the City, a group of youth council members, Camp BRAVERY students, and their leaders spent an afternoon sorting food into banana boxes in what would become part care packages for individuals in need, enough to feed struggling families for a week.
Feeding South Florida understands the importance of introducing children and youth to philanthropy at an early age. As part of the City’s participation in this Hunger Action Month initiative, our youth were invited to become year-round ambassadors of this mission. This program provides several options for youth to get involved with the mission of ending hunger in South Florida – whether it’s hosting a one-time Food + Fund Drive, volunteering, or taking a deeper dive and participating in their Youth Ambassador Program, there’s something for “children” of all ages! The purpose of the Feeding South Florida Youth Ambassador Program is to involve kids, teens, and college students in their mission to end hunger in South Florida. This is a great way for kids to get involved in a meaningful way and have a lasting impact on a cause that provides the most basic of needs. Youth Ambassadors serve as Feeding South Florida advocates and provide on-the-ground information about current trends in schools and their peers’ needs.
For more information about the City of West Park Youth Council, Camp BRAVERY Middle School Program, or any other City of West Park Recreation Department Initiatives, please contact our Parks and Recreation Department at 954-985-1990 or e-mail: cgarcia@cityofwestpark.org.
