For the second year running, Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough in partnership with Joshua’s Heart Foundation and Start Off Smart distributed much needed groceries to Homestead’s working poor. Whole Foods, the iconic organic grocery chain, was also a major force in the effort that took place on December 14 at Roby George Park. The good work done that day by the aforementioned was the subject of the Councilwoman’s Special Council Presentation on March 19. The first invited to speak was Start Off Smart Executive Director Sandra Nanni.
“Joshua’s Heart Foundation and Whole Foods Market are committed to stamping out hunger in Miami-Dade County,” said Mrs. Nanni whose organization is an initiative by the Homestead Police Department that integrates principles of law enforcement and human services. “The families that S.O.S. (Start Off Smart) serves are grateful for the generosity of these two committed agencies.”
Joshua’s Heart, a charity founded by a five-year-old child from whom the organization gets its namesake, is enjoying its seventh year feeding the needy through a variety of programs including supplemental food boxes, food delivery for the elderly and disabled and even a children’s clothing distribution program.
Councilwoman Fairclough then shared her thoughts. “During my two year affiliation with Joshua’s Heart and S.O.S., I’ve grown so encouraged that an idea that sprung from the mind of a young child could be so powerful and that other young people in our community will continue to heed the call of service. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Whole Foods in providing 150 families in the Homestead area with a week’s worth of nutritious groceries.”
Last to speak was Anthony Francuz, a young member of the Joshua’s Heart Junior Advisory Board. “Joshua couldn’t be here today but he wanted to make sure to thank S.O.S., the City of Homestead, Councilwoman Fairclough and Whole Foods Market for their consistent and reliable support. Our work can only be done thanks to our parents, friends, family and institutions like yours.”
In honor of what took place last December 14, the day was then officially proclaimed the Day of Giving in the City of Homestead.
