FPL and Partners Distribute Hurricane Meal Kits to Homestead Seniors

With hurricane season already underway, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) teamed up with United HomeCare and the Florida Council on Aging to help Homestead seniors prepare for what is expected to be an active storm season.

On August 13, more than 500 hurricane preparedness meal kits were distributed at the William Dickinson Community Center. The effort was part of a larger statewide initiative that delivered more than 28,000 kits to nearly 10,000 seniors in 30 Florida counties.

FPL External Affairs Manager Andres Martinez said the goal is simple: to make sure some of the most vulnerable residents are not left behind when storms hit.

“We see this as a way to provide some of our most vulnerable customers with a vital need so that they can better prepare for what’s forecasted to be a very active hurricane season,” Martinez said. “We recognize Florida’s senior population is one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to hurricane preparedness, as some seniors face mobility challenges and may be unable to stock up on vital supplies.”

Each kit includes three days’ worth of shelf-stable meals, water, snacks and a storm preparedness guide available in English, Spanish, and Creole. The items were chosen to cover essentials: food, hydration and safety information for those who may not be able to leave home or receive deliveries after a storm.

Martinez noted a moment that stood out to FPL’s team before the distribution began.

“We witnessed a bustling exercise class filled with active seniors, their energy and determination evident throughout,” he said. “After the class, many of them came to receive their kits and expressed appreciation to FPL for getting them ready in case of a storm. The kits gave them a sense of independence and readiness.”

The program, coordinated through the Florida Council on Aging and its local partner agencies, aims to reach underserved seniors throughout FPL’s service area; agencies that regularly serve older adults were tapped to help identify those most in need.

Martinez encouraged seniors — and the wider community — to have a plan in place before a storm. Options include staying home in a safe, secure room; sheltering with friends or family; relocating out of the area; or going to a designated public shelter.

“As you prepare for this storm season, make sure to contact your local social service agencies as early as possible if you require assistance, and have a storm plan in place,” he said.

For more information on senior preparedness resources and a downloadable storm guide, visit FPL.com/storm or FCOA.org.