Latest news with #Miamians
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
A federal program sent local farmers' fresh produce to food banks. It's being cut
Stew — a big pot of it — with onions, potatoes and bell peppers. Maybe a little bit of meat, if they're lucky, Jackie Brown muttered, chewing over potential dinner ideas for her family as she surveyed the produce refrigerator at the Feeding South Florida food bank in Pembroke Park on a recent afternoon. She was planning a week of meals for herself and the five grandchildren she's raising, all big eaters, and needed something hearty that would also yield leftovers. Brown, 59, is one of the 1.2 million South Floridians who relied on Feeding South Florida, the region's largest food bank, last year to supplement their groceries. As rising costs of living have nudged more locals into greater financial precariousness and closer to hunger, the organization reported that nearly two in 10 South Floridians turned to it last year for food. But recent federal funding cuts mean Feeding South Florida's budget is about to shrink by more than 30%. As part of its push to reduce federal spending, the Trump administration shuttered the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), a $900 million initiative started in 2021 to help food banks purchase produce from local farmers. In doing so, it lopped $13.5 million — nearly all of the food bank's federal funding — from Feeding South Florida's budget. That means fewer vegetables on the table for families like Brown's, and fewer orders for the farmers who grow them. ▪ ▪ ▪ Particularly toward the end of the month, Brown relies on food banks like Feeding South Florida to put meals on the table. 'That's what I use the food bank for,' she said, 'to fill in that last week of the month before I get more [food stamp] assistance.' Like many across the country, and especially in South Florida, her household has felt the squeeze of rising prices. U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows grocery prices have jumped roughly 30% since 2020. Over the same period of time, Miami-Dade's rate of food insecurity — people who don't have enough to eat — has spiked by 50%. On any given day, roughly 400,000 Miamians, 15% of the county's population, don't know where their next meal will come from. Compounding that vulnerability are proposed major cuts to federal spending on food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), better known as food stamps, on which nearly 3 million Floridians, including Brown and her five grandchildren, rely. For Brown's family and others that are either food insecure or close to it, food banks have become especially important for ensuring access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The local produce purchase program is largely to thank. Feeding South Florida estimates that nearly half of its produce is purchased with money from the program. Without the funding, the food bank told the Miami Herald it anticipates 'a reduction in both the volume and variety of fresh foods available' at its food banks and that its 'capacity to provide nutritious food will be significantly affected.' Robin Safley, the CEO of Feeding South Florida's umbrella organization, Feeding Florida, emphasized the economic importance of guaranteeing access to healthy, fresh food. Those served by her organization's affiliate food banks disproportionately deal with chronic health issues, including diabetes, said Safley. 'Many of them are also on Medicaid,' she noted, 'so those chronic conditions can really drive up the cost of health care.' Healthy eating plays a critical role in mitigating those costs, she added. But beyond those health impacts, Safley pointed out that the program has given local farmers more opportunities to sell produce in their home communities. ▪ ▪ ▪ At his farm in Palm Beach County earlier this month, J.D. Poole shouted over the sound of water raining from pipes affixed to the ceiling, cooling boxes of freshly picked corn below. A third-generation farmer from Belle Glade, Poole co-founded Scotlynn Sweet-Pac Growers in 2012. Still based in Belle Glade, the company plants, harvests and ships thousands of acres of sweet corn, pumpkins, cabbage, watermelon and asparagus each year. Thanks to the federal food purchase initiative, from which Florida received and dispersed more than $20 million to food banks last year, Feeding South Florida has been a major buyer from Poole. He estimates his farm sends more than 1 million pounds of produce each year down to the food bank, which purchases those orders with money from the program. Poole said the arrangement accounts for roughly 10% of Sweet-Pac Growers' annual revenue. The program was particularly helpful for selling perfectly good produce that grocery stores wouldn't buy because of slight aesthetic imperfections, he added. 'Rather than walk away and take a huge financial loss' on those vegetables, the program helped his business recoup planting investments that otherwise would've been lost, while at the same time 'providing really good, fresh food at a reasonable cost to the needy.' If not for the program, that produce would've been thrown out. That's what will likely happen now. He was grateful to provide for those in need, but Poole says he can't afford to harvest, process, package and ship his produce to food banks on his own dime. He hopes the president will reconsider the program's termination. A Trump voter, Poole is generally content with the administration thus far. And he backs Trump and the Department of Governmental Efficiency's (DOGE) purported efforts to eliminate the 'fluff' in government spending. But, he said, this initiative is not fluff. 'It's a very needed program.' Poole is far from alone in the agriculture community in his assessment. Aaron Shier, the government relations director at the National Farmers Union, a D.C.-based advocacy group, said the program has been important for many community farmers and strengthened local food supply chains, all while feeding people in need. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, a Florida Democrat who sits on the House Appropriations Committee's agriculture subcommittee, described the program as a 'win-win for our local farmers and for families in need.' Its cancellation is a 'gut punch,' she told the Herald, especially for small farmers and food-insecure people. People like Brown. The grandmother's disability benefits and SNAP assistance alone aren't enough for her to provide for her dependent grandchildren, whose mother died and whose father isn't in the picture. But Brown, turning to her friend Lathoya Bennett, said she feels lucky. 'Lots of people, lots of homeless people, can't even get here to get [this food]. We really need more of this.' Bennett nodded as she looked over the piles of carrots and onions: 'This is really a blessing.' This story was produced with financial support from supporters including The Green Family Foundation Trust and Ken O'Keefe, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
Axios
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Axios Miami reporter looks back on six months of concerts
This weekend marks the halfway point of 2025 — wild! — and I've spent a lot of money on concerts. Why it matters: In this economy? When Miami rent requires a salary over six figures? Crazy behavior. But I love live music. And when I'm not prioritizing time with family and friends, I'm likely at a show. I most often go with friends, but I've been known to go alone. The big picture: When I moved back to Miami three and a half years ago, I struggled with what I perceived to be a lack of accessible, low-key shows. I did see Soccer Mommy at Gramps in early 2022 and Lucy Dacus at the Miami Bach Bandshell later that year. Both shows gave me hope. Between the lines: I love that Miami attracts stadium-filler acts and my favorite Latin artists (shoutout to Bad Bunny's 2022 show, and seeing Pitbull and Ricky Martin last year with my brother and sister-in-law!). But I craved those smaller, intimate shows I got used to after living in cities like Washington, D.C. and Austin. Yes, but: Miami's scene has grown recently — and new (ZeyZey) and older (Bandshell, Fillmore) venues alike continue announcing acts that surprise me. So as we hit the midyear mark, I thought it'd be fun to look back at some of my favorite shows I've attended so far this year — and look ahead to the ones I'm most excited for. Leisure, ZeyZey Groovy. Maybe not the best word, but that's what comes to mind when I think back on it. And I got right up to the stage for this one. Tops, ZeyZey Unexpectedly great. I've liked the Montreal band for a bit, but they were so fun to see live. Khruangbin, FPL Solar Amphitheater Seeing them live for the first time with close friends was beautiful. But my goodness, was I annoyed. Miamians need to learn a bit of concert etiquette (Read: Please shut up during the show). Hermanos Gutierrez, The Fillmore Miami Beach Perfect show. Gilsons, Miami Beach Bandshell So fun. I didn't know the Brazilian trio before attending, but went with friends anyway. We danced the night away. The group is now on heavy rotation at home. One regret: I skipped Wilco at the Fillmore. But I'm more upset about missing Waxahatchee, who opened for them. I've seen the band before, but I loved the latest album, "Tigers Blood," and regret not taking the chance to see it performed live. What's next: In June, I'm seeing Vampire Weekend at FPL Amphitheater (with Martin!) and Buscabulla at ZeyZey. I'm also eyeing Yot Club (August), Bandalos Chinos (September) and Saint Motel (October). Bottom line: A concert is always a good idea in my mind — regardless of whether you know the band or not. You may walk away with a new favorite artist.
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
How housing challenges and condo pressures affect Miami's real estate world
Real Estate News How housing challenges and condo pressures affect Miami's real estate world Miami faces a housing crisis shaped by rent burdens, condo regulation and rising redevelopment pressures. Redfin data show Miami rents are falling, but the city remains one of the nation's least affordable places for renters, with the required income to rent far above what most people earn. Condo owners struggle with steeply rising association fees and repairs, worsened by state-mandated reserves after the Surfside collapse and nearly half of Florida's Fannie Mae-ineligible condos located in Miami. The secretive Fannie Mae condo blacklist now covers hundreds of Miami buildings, blocking access to mortgages and repair funding. As financial stress grows, developer buyouts and condo terminations are more appealing, especially for aging buildings and those facing escalating costs or safety violations. Stephania Germain, 24, who is on a Section 8 housing voucher, poses inside her apartment that she lives in with her daughter on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Miami. Germain was raised in foster care and is doing the best she can for herself and her baby. She says that even with the voucher, with recent increases it makes paying rent tough. 'It just keeps going up and I don't get a break to save, and I need new baby clothes, ya know they grow out of them so fast,' said Germain. By Alie Skowronski NO. 1: MIAMIANS ARE THE MOST RENT-BURDENED PEOPLE IN AMERICA — AND THEY'RE STRESSED ABOUT IT New Census Bureau data shows that Miamians spend a larger chunk of their incomes on housing than residents in all other major American cities. | Published October 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Max Klaver An exterior shot from Collins Avenue of people walking past the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, in Bal Harbour, Florida, Tuesday, November 21, 2020. By Daniel A. Varela NO. 2: MIAMI CONDO OWNERS IN LUXURY TOWERS ON THE BEACH SUE COMPANIES OVER SAFETY CONCERNS What to know about the case at the Bal Harbour complex near Surfside. | Published November 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vinod Sreeharsha View of the DOWNTOWN MIAMI skyline from Watson Island, on Wednesday July 31, 2024. By Pedro Portal NO. 3: COULD YOUR CONDO BE A TAKEOVER TARGET? KNOW THE SIGNS THAT COULD ATTRACT A DEVELOPER Unit owners in older buildings are facing new expenses. | Published January 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives A view of a resurgent Northeast Second Avenue in the heart of Miami's Overtown neighborhood in April 2021, with the Plaza at the Lyric apartments at left and a Red Rooster restaurant in the background at right. By Pedro Portal NO. 4: RENTERS ARE PAYING LESS FOR APARTMENTS IN MIAMI, BUT THERE ARE ISSUES. SEE THE COSTS Here's a look at housing costs and ways to navigate the crisis. | Published March 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Howard Cohen Condos line the Intracoastal Waterway in Sunny Isles Beach. By MATIAS J. OCNER NO. 5: 'PERFECT STORM.' HUNDREDS OF SOUTH FLORIDA CONDOS NOW ON SECRET MORTGAGE BLACKLIST The number of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach condos on the list has more than doubled in just two years. | Published April 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andres Viglucci The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Miami Herald
21-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Do you have access to healthcare in Miami? See some issues and solutions
South Florida Do you have access to healthcare in Miami? See some issues and solutions Miami residents face several barriers to quality healthcare. Many pregnant women struggle to reach health appointments due to lack of transportation, but programs like Green Cars for Kids now offer free electric car rides to help moms get necessary prenatal care. Some patients, such as those recovering from strokes, benefit from innovative treatments like the Vivistim Paired VNS System, which is now available at Jackson Memorial Hospital to aid mobility recovery. Access for children is improving through new partnerships, such as Nicklaus Children's Health System teaming up with Broward Health to provide specialty care closer to home. Meanwhile, issues like water quality can impact skin health, prompting advice for Miamians on using filters and gentler washing routines. Take a look at some of the issues. Marie Odvil uses a free car service for low-income pregnant mothers provided by Green Cars For Kids in partnership with Freebee and Jackson Health on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, outside of Holtz Children's Hospital on Jackson's campus in Miami. By Alie Skowronski NO. 1: CAN A CAR RIDE HELP YOUR HEALTH? FOR SOUTH FLORIDA MATERNITY PATIENTS, IT'S AN ISSUE What to know about the transit services for mother and baby. | Published October 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante Arlet Lara, the first patient in South Florida to get an FDA-approved nerve stimulation implant, does an exercise while Neil Batungbakal, rehabilitation therapist, activates the implant with the black trigger during her physical therapy appointment on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Lynn Rehabilitation Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The activation works as positive reinforcement to her muscles when she completes the exercise correctly. By Alie Skowronski NO. 2: A STROKE CHANGED A MIAMI TEACHER'S LIFE. HOW A NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICE IS HELPING HER MOVE What to know about how it works. | Published November 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante NO. 3: IS TAP WATER IRRITATING YOUR SKIN? HERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS FOR WASHING Tap water contains chlorine and other minerals that can hurt your skin. | Published October 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Leslie Baumann, M.D. Florida has experienced an outbreak of measles, including among children in Broward County. NO. 4: NICKLAUS CHILDREN'S AND BROWARD HEALTH TEAM UP FOR CARE. WHAT IT MEANS FOR PATIENTS The initiative will give Broward Health pediatric patients access to certain Nicklaus specialists. | Published November 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Why are we miserable in Miami? We pay high rent and our homes can be hot
Real Estate News Why are we miserable in Miami? We pay high rent and our homes can be hot Miami residents struggle as rising rents make it the most cost-burdened metro area in the U.S., with many people spending half their income on housing. New laws and strict mortgage requirements, like Fannie Mae's growing condo blacklist, have made it harder to buy, sell, or repair homes, leaving both renters and owners with few good options. Extreme heat only adds to the hardship, with some families unable to afford to run or fix their air conditioning even as temperatures inside their homes exceed those outdoors. Families often cut food, medicine, or car repairs just to cover rent or rising energy bills. Take a look at what can make housing a challenge in South Florida. Stephania Germain, 24, who is on a Section 8 housing voucher, poses inside her apartment that she lives in with her daughter on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Miami. Germain was raised in foster care and is doing the best she can for herself and her baby. She says that even with the voucher, with recent increases it makes paying rent tough. 'It just keeps going up and I don't get a break to save, and I need new baby clothes, ya know they grow out of them so fast,' said Germain. By Alie Skowronski NO. 1: MIAMIANS ARE THE MOST RENT-BURDENED PEOPLE IN AMERICA — AND THEY'RE STRESSED ABOUT IT New Census Bureau data shows that Miamians spend a larger chunk of their incomes on housing than residents in all other major American cities. | Published October 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Max Klaver Recently installed air-conditioning units at 2840-2842 NW 10th Avenue in Miami, Florida. Federal housing doesn't require air-conditioning, but Miami-Dade County is funding new A/C units for hundreds of public housing apartments. By Jose A. Iglesias NO. 2: ON SWELTERING MIAMI SUMMER DAYS, IT CAN BE HOTTER INSIDE HOMES THAN OUT, STUDY FINDS 'Everyone in Miami has AC. The question is does it work and can you afford to use it?' | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Harris Condos line the Intracoastal Waterway in Sunny Isles Beach. By MATIAS J. OCNER NO. 3: 'PERFECT STORM.' HUNDREDS OF SOUTH FLORIDA CONDOS NOW ON SECRET MORTGAGE BLACKLIST The number of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach condos on the list has more than doubled in just two years. | Published April 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andres Viglucci The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
