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The hard work and effort put forth by Farm Share, AESG and the City of Kissimmee is feeding a thousand in the time of giving and need. PHOTO/CHRIS MILLER -
Volunteers load up families's cars during Tuesday's Food Share/AESG/City of Kissimmee distribution. PHOTO/CHRIS MILLER
‘Tis the season of giving, there is no better way to end the year than by giving back to the community.
Farm Share, Florida’s largest independent food bank, its partner Aero Engineering Support Group (AESG) and the City of Kissimmee Government came together to serve over 1,000 families in need Tuesday morning.
Nearly 1,000 cars passed through the line as the three organizations worked to make a difference in the community amid the post-pandemic period and a time of high inflation. Among the many volunteers, Kissimmee Mayor Olga Gonzalez was present.
“To me this is important because this is not just about Thanksgiving, we do this every month,” said Mayor Gonzalez. “For these people to stay in line for four plus hours is because they need it and we are happy as a community to help.”
The volunteers started well before 8 a.m. to prepare what was needed for families to arrive by 10. First-time volunteer Christian Rivera said he was proud to be a part of the event.
“I am very grateful that I could be here in a time that the pandemic still hits our community from those who struggle to recovery,” he said.
Mayor Gonzalez said the holidays are a time to show strength in community.
“There is strength, and unity. Let’s keep united together to make a difference in our community,” she said. “When we come together, Kissimmee is strong."
Established in 1991, Farm Share started the innovative concept of retrieving unused food from Florida farms and redistributing it to those in need. Operations began in Homestead and have expanded to serve the entire state of Florida as a homegrown food bank.
