[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 140 (Friday, September 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            TRIBUTE TO DADE COUNTY COMMISSIONER ALEX PENELAS

                                 ______


                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 30, 1994

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, for the past 14 years, South 
Florida Food Recovery has been providing food to the poor, the needy, 
and the homeless in the State of Florida.
  Created through the loving commitment and tireless efforts of my good 
friend Jule Littman, vice mayor of the city of North Miami Beach, South 
Florida Food Recovery has become the largest food distribution program 
in the State of Florida and one of the largest in the United States. It 
takes food declared surplus from farmers, food brokers, and 
distributors and provides it to some 273 service organizations with 
2,600 volunteers in five Florida counties. Altogether, South Florida 
Food Recovery distributes enough food for 188,000 supplemental meals a 
week.
  On October 7, South Florida Food Recovery will host its Homeless 
Holiday Luncheon to benefit 50,000 needy persons during the upcoming 
holiday season. Dade County Commissioner Alex Penelas will be honored 
at this event for his dedication and leadership in providing 
alternatives to homeless persons in Dade County.
  Mr. Speaker, this recognition is well-deserved. Alex Penelas is the 
youngest person ever elected to the Dade County Commission, and he is 
one of the most active and effective.
  Commissioner Penelas has become a true champion of the homeless and 
needy in our community. The Dade County community homeless plan, which 
Commissioner Penelas coauthored, has attracted national recognition as 
a model for other communities. Under his leadership, Dade County has 
put new emphasis on housing for low-income persons. In addition, 
Commissioner Penelas is also chairman of the Dade County Homeless 
Trust.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to join with South Florida Food Recovery 
and the rest of our community in honoring Alex Penelas for a job well 
done.

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