AARP Foundation Teams Up with Miami HEAT to Fight Older Adult Hunger in South Florida

“Drive to End Hunger” Meal Packing Event and $75,000 Donation at American Airlines Arena to Deliver 50,000 Meals for Feeding South Florida

  Miami, FL – AARP, AARP Foundation, the Miami HEAT and Feeding South Florida™ are teaming up for a “full court press” on the fight against older adult hunger. The organizations are hosting a Drive to End Hunger meal packing event on Friday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at American Airlines Arena, where 200 volunteers will sort and pack meals to feed older adults in South Florida. 

 Later that day, AARP Foundation will also present a check for $75,000 to Feeding South Florida during halftime of the Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami HEAT game, delivering a total contribution of 50,000 meals to help hungry older Floridians.

Feeding South Florida is the leading domestic hunger relief organization in South Florida, serving four counties through a network of partner agencies.  According to a report by AARP Foundation, more than 1 in 14 Floridians age 50 and older face the threat of hunger.

 “Teaming up with the Miami HEAT and Feeding South Florida is a great way to help older Floridians who struggle to put food on the table,” said AARP Chief Operating Officer Jo Ann Jenkins. “This event will help shine a spotlight on the issue of hunger that nearly nine million Americans 50-plus face every day.”

 “The Miami HEAT and American Airlines Arena are absolutely committed to helping end hunger in our community,” said Eric Woolworth, President of The HEAT Group’s Business Operations. “We believe there is strength in numbers. By joining forces with the AARP Foundation and Feeding South Florida, we anticipate a productive event that will provide some assistance to those who need it most.”

 Furthering awareness for the issue of hunger faced by people 50+, Drive to End Hunger’s weekend-long activities in Florida will include four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and driver of the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet SS Jeff Gordon, racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Sunday, Nov. 17.

 For more information or to get involved, please visit www.DriveToEndHunger.org or follow @Drive2EndHunger.