Thousands of pounds of food that was originally destined for Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands sat in a FEMA warehouse in Jacksonville instead. FEMA in Florida, was not sure why the food was never sent to the islands.
The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida will instead take the 2 tractor-trailer loads of donated non-perishable food that was originally destined for Puerto Rico and distribute it to Puerto Rican evacuees in Orlando and Kissimmee.
The transport from Jacksonville to Orlando is being called “Feed My People”.
Immediately after Hurricane Maria devastated the island, supermarket shelves throughout Central Florida emptied as people rushed to collect and donate food for Puerto Ricans.
But as thousands fleeing difficult living conditions continue to arrive in Florida, Rodriguez said community organizations and churches are scrambling to collect large-scale food donations, affordable housing options and winter clothes.
“We sent so much help to Puerto Rico — it’s a human instinct,” he said. “But we didn’t anticipate so many people would come here.”
Rodriguez said supplies have been depleted and pointed out that the holidays for Puerto Ricans run through Jan. 6, when they celebrate the gift-giving holiday of Three Kings Day. Organizers hope to collect enough toys to give to children in the community.
He said Goya Foods, a Hispanic brand, recently donated rice and beans, adobo seasoning and sazón spices. Target donated about a hundred $30 gift cards for winter clothes.
“I’ve been struggling really hard to get ethnic food. Everyone else has told me, ‘We’re sorry; we already gave all this food to Puerto Rico,’ ” Rodriguez said. “People were coming [to Central Florida] wearing chanclas (flip-flops).”
Christmas celebration at a Walmart in Kissimmee, Florida. Evacuee totals from PR to Florida are estimated at 250,000.
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