Central Broward News

Some of Oakland Park’s most vulnerable residents are getting vital assistance thanks to a nutritious monthly food delivery program coordinated by the City through Hands On Broward and Farm Share. The City Commission recently approved the program, which will provide monthly meal delivery to approximately 100 elderly, homebound senior residents of Oakland Park. Hands On Broward will provide volunteer outreach, recruitment, and project management for the packaging and delivery of the meals. 

The City Commission recently approved the program, which will provide monthly meal delivery to approximately 100 elderly, homebound senior residents of Oakland Park. Hands On Broward will provide volunteer outreach, recruitment, and project management for the packaging and delivery of the meals. 

The need for the program became evident during the pandemic when seniors and other vulnerable individuals faced challenges with essential needs. From April 2020 through May 2021, Oakland Park partnered with Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale to host weekly food distributions at Mills Pond Park. Oakland Park also worked with Feeding South Florida to deliver food to homebound residents. The City launched a pilot program with Hands On Broward and Farm Share late last year to bring the delivery program back and provide healthy food to about 100 seniors. This successful collaboration in November, December, and February resulted in the delivery of 298 meals. Farm Share provided free food from its Oakland Park warehouse, and Hands On Broward used its volunteer management software and advertising to help recruit volunteers to pack and deliver meals. The City plans to work with Hands On Broward to continue this vital food delivery program to vulnerable seniors once a month. 

Homebound seniors interested in participating in the food delivery program are encouraged to sign up for the Broward County Vulnerable Population Registry. Click here to register online or call the Broward County Call Center at 311 or 954-831-4000. Anyone interested in assisting with the food deliveries or other volunteer opportunities in Oakland Park should contact Steven Mattair in Parks and Leisure Services at 954-630-4494. 

Original source can be found here.