Feeding South Florida will host its first Thanksgiving Community Feast at Hard Rock Stadium on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The hunger-relief organization told BocaNewsNow.com that it plans to seat 500 guests for a traditional holiday meal.
The group said more than 1.7 million people across South Florida are expected to face food insecurity this holiday season. The event grew out of its annual holiday food giveaways, which reached more than 15,500 families with turkeys and side dishes in 2025. Staff heard from some recipients who had no one to share a meal with, including people who had lost a spouse, lived far from relatives or had no way to get around.
Guests will receive turkey and traditional sides, along with live entertainment and family activities. Resource partners will be on site to help people sign up for food assistance, benefits and workforce development services.
Paco Vélez, president and CEO of Feeding South Florida, said the feast was inspired by neighbors who said they were grateful for a meal but had no one to share it with. Sponsors include Florida Dairy Farmers, Hispanic Unity, the City of West Park, Bank of America and Miami-Dade County, among others. Sponsorships and cash donations are covering the meal, and the organization is seeking more help from businesses, groups and individuals. It also welcomes volunteers and chefs.
