North Miami Home to the First Municipal Food Pantry Powered Through Feeding South Florida and the Florida Blue Foundation
October 24, 2019
Friday, Oct. 25th at 10 a.m., North Miami officials, Feeding South Florida®, and the Florida Blue Foundation, will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the first government-sponsored pantry housed within a municipality. The grand opening celebration for Feeding North Miami -The NoMi Food Market will take place at the Sunkist Grove Community Center, located at 12500 NW 13th Ave, North Miami. More than 150 spectators are expected to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony, which will include an on-site mobile pantry filled with nutritious food for the public.
On a weekly basis, North Miami residents will have access to fresh nutritious fruits and vegetables, protein, dairy and shelf-stable items, plus health and beauty, items such as diapers and personal hygiene products. The pantry will also provide nutrition classes, as well as assistance with SNAP, TCA, Medicaid and Florida KidCare applications. The Feeding North Miami food pantry will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, by appointment only. The pantry will begin the intake process Monday, Oct. 28th. North Miami residents seeking pantry services should call 305-395-3053.
On June 11, 2019, the North Miami City Council unanimously allocated funding for The NoMi Food Market managed by the City’s Housing and Social Services Department. The program’s mission is to end hunger and poverty by transforming lives through innovative programming and education.
Councilman Alix Desulme Ed.D, who initiated the program said, “I am beyond elated to launch the first every City pantry in the beautiful city of North Miami. What started as a bi-monthly food distribution for residents in need, has now evolved into a full blown pantry for all North Miami residents. This vision has taken over a year to conceptualize; and I am over the moon excited to see it come into fruition!”
North Miami Mayor, Philippe Bien-Aime said, “This pantry is critical to the health, well-being and livelihood of our community. North Miami families will now have access to much needed healthy food options, at no cost to them. These savings will allow them to use money they would normally spend on groceries for other household necessities.”
The NoMi Food Market is made possible by the generous contribution of Feeding South Florida and the Florida Blue Foundation. The City of North Miami provided $50,000 in funding, along with the space, equipment and technical assistance for the pantry. The State of Florida provided $50,000 in grant funding. The Florida Blue Foundation provided a yearly grant of $200,000 to the pantry for two years.
