Miami Dolphins, AARP Foundation Pack Over One Million Meals

In conjunction with AARP Foundation community fair, held to build awareness for issues facing older Floridians

Davie, FL — The Miami Dolphins, through their Special Teams Driven by Chevy Volunteer program, partnered with AARP Foundation to pack OVER ONE MILLION MEALS for individuals 50-plus in South Florida for the second year in a row. The event took place at Nova Southeastern University from 7:45 a.m., packing over one million meals by 4:30 p.m.

“It was so exciting to be out here today. The energy of the volunteers was amazing. Seven percent of South Floridians are older Americans who are at risk of hunger each and every day and it was amazing to package one million meals for hungry South Floridians,” AARP Foundation President Lisa Marsh Ryerson said. “It took a lot of people that were dedicated to the cause and the reason why it worked was because the Miami Dolphins and AARP Foundation were both committed to helping people in need in the community. These nutritious, high quality meals help people get food that will be incredibly meaningful in their lives.”

More than 4,000 volunteers, including mascot T.D., 26 alumni and current players including Zack Bowman, Will Davis, John Denney, Emmanuel Dieke, Brandon Fields, Reshad Jones, Chris McCain, Earl Mitchell, Lamar Miller, Koa Misi, Spencer Paysinger, Kelvin Sheppard, Caleb Sturgis, Jamar Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Michael Thomas, as well as a significant number of youth sports teams, churches and community groups, donated their time to pack 128,472 pounds of food for those less fortunate. Fans also were joined by Miami Dolphins Head Coach Joe Philbin, General Manager Dennis Hickey, Executive Vice President of Football Operations , Defensive Coordinator Kevin Coyle, Linebackers Coach Mark Duffner and Wide Receivers Coach Ken O’Keefe.

“Thanks to the largest volunteer network in Florida and the support of AARP Foundation, we were able to pack over one million meals for the second year in a row to help feed a lot people here in South Florida,” Miami Dolphins President & CEO Tom Garfinkel said.

Meal packing was not the only event being held on the Nova campus as AARP Foundation for the first time held a community fair. The meal pack volunteers had an opportunity to take part in other volunteer efforts, such as making personalized cards for isolated seniors, and to learn more about the other issues facing vulnerable seniors in South Florida.

By The Numbers