Thieves Strike Food Bank

A South Florida food bank is grappling with the aftermath of a theft that has left them in dire need of assistance. Feeding South Florida, renowned for its efforts to combat food insecurity, reported a significant loss of equipment after an incident at their Pembroke Park headquarters.

Details of the Incident

According to reports, two individuals were caught on surveillance footage pilfering mobile kitchens worth $15,000 each. The thieves appeared to operate as if they were affiliated with the organization, methodically loading the equipment onto their trucks before driving away.

Impact on Operations

Paco Velez, the president and CEO of Feeding South Florida, expressed the organization’s distress over the incident. “Our initial response is obviously anger and frustration that we don’t have the equipment to do our jobs,” he said.

The mobile kitchens are vital for providing meals at senior care homes and various community events. This theft comes at a challenging time for the organization, which has already faced setbacks, including a nearly $1 million grant being frozen and a program for fresh produce being paused.

Community Appeal

In light of this unfortunate event, Feeding South Florida is appealing to the community for help in recovering the stolen items and identifying the perpetrators. Velez urged local residents to be vigilant: “Feeding South Florida has always been supportive of our mission through volunteerism and fundraising. In this situation, we also hope the community can use their eyes as well.”

The organization encourages anyone with information about the theft to contact Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS, where tips can be submitted anonymously. A reward of up to $5,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.

How to Help

For those who wish to support Feeding South Florida during this challenging time, donations are welcome and can significantly aid in their recovery efforts.