WHO:  The Department of Children & Families’ Secretary Lucy Hadi will attend the “Food for Florida” Disaster Food Stamp (DFS) program opening day in Miami-Dade County. In conjunction with Miami Recovers, City of Miami Mayor, Manny Diaz, will be present to escort Hadi through the Orange Bowl site as they interact with applicants.

DFS Staff – More than 400 DCF staff and temporary worker will process approximately 30,000 applications daily at each location.

DFS Applicants – With the largest population base in Florida, the Miami DFS program expects to receive an estimated 750,000 applicants over the 5 day application period.


WHAT: The “Food for Florida” Disaster Food Stamp (DFS) program, is an initiative intended to relieve some of the financial strain suffered by the victims of hurricane Wilma.

Benefits - This represents an estimated $15,000,000 in Disaster Food Stamp Benefits to be distributed in Miami-Dade County.

Miami Recovers, the City of Miami’s secondary response to Hurricane Wilma which shifts focus from the distribution of essential supplies to the distribution of information regarding available assistance from local, state, federal and other sources. Miami Recovers staff will be available further assist residents.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 9, 2005.
11 a.m.
Regular hours of operation for the 5 day application period in Miami-Dade County run Wednesday, November 9 through Sunday, November 13, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Orange Bowl
1501 NW 3rd St., Miami

MEDIA
CONTACTS: Flora Beal, Director of Communications
                   Department of Children and Families-Miami
                  (305) 345-8407