Miccosukee Tribe of Indians joins Thanksgiving food giveaway to support families in Kendale Lakes
Kendale Lakes, Florida – Residents lined up before sunrise on Wednesday at Kendall Soccer Park, waiting for a chance to receive Thanksgiving meals at a community food giveaway. The event, which included participation from the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, offered families in need a way to enjoy the holiday despite ongoing financial hardships.
Cars stretched down to Southwest 88th Street as volunteers handed out food boxes to hundreds of people. Many families said they were facing challenges preparing a holiday meal due to rising costs and delays in government assistance programs. One mother shared her relief: “This year we were unable to make a dinner, and thanks to this, we are going to be able to. The situation is really bad right now.”
The event was organized in partnership with Farm Share, a nonprofit working to combat food insecurity across Florida since 1991. Volunteers included community leaders such as Anthony Rodriguez, chairman of the Miami-Dade County Commission, who expressed the personal importance of helping those in need. “I don’t come from money,” Rodriguez said. “If she had to give out her plate to give it to a child, to give it to someone else that was hungry, she would do it. I grew up that way.”
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The Miccosukee Tribe’s involvement highlighted a long-standing tradition of community service and support. Tribal members helped distribute food boxes and engage with families, reinforcing the holiday spirit for the local community. The collaboration aimed to ensure that even the most vulnerable residents could access a proper Thanksgiving meal.
This year, the need was particularly acute. Families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, have faced delays in receiving benefits following the federal government shutdown. Migrant families, including Venezuelans, Hondurans, and Nicaraguans, have also been affected after the end of their temporary protected status, which limited their ability to work legally in the United States. These compounded challenges have made events like the Kendall Soccer Park food giveaway even more critical.
Farm Share officials said the goal was not only to provide meals but also to foster a sense of community. Volunteers worked throughout the morning, carefully coordinating the distribution to ensure every family left with enough food for the holiday. “People are coming together in the spirit of giving,” one volunteer said. “It’s about helping our neighbors, our community, and making sure no one is left behind.”
For many attendees, the event provided more than just food; it offered a moment of hope during a difficult season. Families expressed gratitude for the generosity of the Miccosukee Tribe, Farm Share, and local volunteers who made it possible. The event also served as a reminder that even in challenging times, community support and collaboration can make a tangible difference.
As the line of cars slowly moved forward, the Thanksgiving spirit was palpable. Residents left with meals in hand and renewed optimism that, despite personal and economic struggles, the community would come together to ensure that everyone could celebrate the holiday with dignity.
