Because of the COVID-19 crisis, times are tough for hardworking Hollywood residents. Many are struggling to pay for basic items like food.
But, there are organizations providing food for people. Here are some of those organizations and programs providing food throughout South Florida:
Community Enhancement Collaboration
The Community Enhancement Collaboration (CEC) has been running a mobile food pantry at its location on 5648 Wiley Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Friday, any person can drive up and receive a free package of food from the CEC.
And the lines for this service are long. “We are helping the community. We can’t close our doors,” said Marika Guyton, spokesperson for the CEC. “We have to help.”
Also, the CEC is working with the City of Hollywood and Memorial Healthcare System to provide food to people who are home bound. Personnel from the City and Memorial pick up packages of food from the CEC food pantry and make the deliveries.
The CEC has for many years provided help to residents in the Washington Park community. It provides food to seniors; people age 62 and older on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seniors can come to the food pantry and pick up a package of food. They can register as clients when they arrive. And registered clients of the CEC and community residents can come to the pantry on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to pick up food.
“We don’t turn anybody away, especially during this time,” said Guyton.
Food Distribution April 15, 17, 18
April 15
April 17
April 18
Broward County Public Schools
Broward County Public Schools is continuing to support students and their families through the coronavirus crisis by offering grab-and-go meal service at 51 schools throughout Broward County. The meals will be provided Monday through Friday at most locations, and Mondays and Wednesdays at 4 locations.
Meal times are:
- Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Lunch: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Florida Food Assistance Program
The Florida Food Assistance Program administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. To apply, go to myflorida.com/accessflorida and click the link “Apply for Benefits.”
Feeding South Florida
Feeding South Florida: A regional food bank serving about 300 nonprofit agencies, is distributing ready-to-eat food. They have launched a COVID-19 Response Fund to help support those in need during the pandemic. Those who require assistance can visit feedingsouthflorida.org/benefits-emergency-services/ to apply. To determine eligibility for other benefits, go to feedingsouthflorida.org or call 954.518.1857.
Liberia Economic and Social Development
Liberia Economic and Social Development Inc.: LES Food Pantry (walk-up), 2334 Green Street Apt. 3 in Hollywood. Call 954.924.3635. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30 to 12:00 noon. Please bring proof of Hollywood residency — Picture ID or other acceptable documentation.
Community Enhancement Collaboration Client Choice Health Pantry
Community Enhancement Collaboration Client Choice Health Pantry (walk-up), 5648 Wiley Street in Hollywood. Call 954.987.0625. Tuesday — open to low-income City of Hollywood seniors only (62 and older) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday and Friday — open to the general public from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bring proof of Hollywood residency — Picture ID or other acceptable documentation.
Hollywood Churches
Cruciform Church: 5900 Dewey Street in Hollywood. Call 954.591.7801. Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Groceries, Toiletries and Pharmacy Discount Cards. No ID needed.
Hollywood Hills United Methodist Church. Call 954.989.8304.
Helping Souls Pantry
Helping Souls Pantry: 400 N 35th Avenue, Hollywood. Open twice a month on Thursdays from 6:00pm – 6:30pm (drive-up only). Clients must call 954.962.7181 for the date of the next food distribution and register for food pick-up. No ID required.
Meals on Wheels South Florida
Area Agency on Aging of Broward’s Elder Helpline for Seniors over the age of 60 in need of food: 954.745.9779. The Aging & Disability Resource Center is offering free (frozen) meals deliveries to Broward County Seniors 60 + older. They even take into account allergies & dietary needs — including Kosher requests. The only requirement is to live in Broward County and be 60 or older. Frozen meals are delivered in groups of 14 or 28 (1 or 2 weeks’ worth of meals) and delivered by Meals on Wheels. Please call the Aging & Disability Resource Center to schedule your delivery at 954-745-9779. Additional resources.
Poverello
Poverello in Broward is committed to serving anyone going through rough times right now.
They are providing 6 weeks worth of groceries you choose online and receive them at drive through or delivery.
Here are the qualifications:
1. 150% of the federal poverty level or less.
2. Food insecure.
3. Not receiving food from any other food pantry.
For information, email: intake@poverello.org
Ongoing Food Distribution in Dade
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami “elderly service” program is providing meals to those in need who are 60 or older, live independently in their homes and are registered with the program. Instead of serving the food at its 12 senior centers across South Florida, employees are delivering meals. To learn more about the program visit www.ccadm.org/congregate-meals/.
