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FarmShare and Global Empowerment Mission brief Hialeah Council on June 7 disaster-preparedness fair and ongoing aid partnerships
Summary
FarmShare and GEM updated council on hurricane-season preparedness efforts and local partnerships providing emergency kits, food distribution and long-term recovery support; the organizations invited volunteers to a June 7 preparedness fair in Hialeah.
Representatives of FarmShare and Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) told the Hialeah City Council on May 26 that they will partner with the fire department and other local groups for the second annual disaster-preparedness fair, scheduled for June 7.
Mario Lopez of FarmShare, which he described as the largest independent food bank in the state, said the group’s mission is to prevent food waste and ensure healthy communities; he outlined past rapid responses to hurricanes and food distribution statistics. Michael Ky, who identified himself as the government-affairs lead for GEM, described GEM’s three-phase approach to disasters — immediate response, gap bridging and long-term sustainable recovery — and cited prior work in Florida, California, Hawaii and elsewhere.
GEM representatives spoke about necessity kits, pet-rescue partnerships and long-term housing grants the organization provides after large disasters. Both organizations encouraged residents to attend and volunteer at the June 7 event and invited council members to join packing sessions; the council thanked the groups for sustained community support during recent crises.
The presentation included a description of kits and long-term programs GEM runs, including grants to small businesses and housing assistance in prior disasters; staff and council expressed appreciation and agreed to coordinate logistics for the local event.
