A Fort Lauderdale waitress has devoted more than a decade to addressing food insecurity among homeless populations, serving an estimated 270,000 meals through an operation that began in her own kitchen and has since expanded into a formal nonprofit organization.
Gloria Vargas, 62, launched her feeding initiative in 2012 with modest resources and a simple mission. The Barbados immigrant prepared 40 spaghetti meals using ground beef purchased from her waitress salary. Within weeks, demand escalated rapidly.
"The next week it went to 60 meals, 80 meals. Before you know it, I was at 200 meals every weekend," Vargas explained. The operation now provides approximately 120 breakfasts and 125 dinners daily, distributed to waiting crowds in under 40 minutes.
Operating primarily from her Fort Lauderdale residence, Vargas purchases substantial quantities of chicken, fish, fresh produce, rice, bread, and bottled water to sustain the feeding program. Her two sons contribute by inscribing encouraging messages and scripture on meal containers, while engaging recipients in conversation and providing emotional support.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities for expansion. While numerous charitable organizations suspended operations due to health concerns, Vargas increased her output to 600 meals, extending services to communities in both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
"When it's cold, when it's windy, when it's raining, it doesn't matter. We have to show up," Vargas stated, emphasizing the consistency required to serve vulnerable populations effectively.
A seed grant from the Byers Foundation enabled Vargas to formalize her efforts through the establishment of Care in Action USA, a registered nonprofit organization. The structure has facilitated expanded services beyond meal distribution.
The organization now provides assistance with rent payments, utility bills, hotel accommodations, public transportation passes, and clothing. Antonio Vargas, Gloria's husband and a certified automotive mechanic, donates his professional skills by repairing vehicles without charge and transporting individuals to employment interviews and medical appointments.
"My husband can make so much more money doing the job he does, but he takes homeless people to appointments," Vargas noted, highlighting the family's commitment to comprehensive support rather than financial gain.
Through donor contributions and volunteer assistance, Care in Action USA has established a transitional housing facility accommodating eight men. Residents pay between $300 and $400 in monthly rent contingent upon maintaining employment, providing a pathway toward housing stability and self-sufficiency.
The initiative represents a collaborative effort involving volunteers, religious organizations, and community partners. Vargas attributes the program's sustained impact to this network of support and the willingness of individuals to contribute time, resources, and expertise.
"With the help of friends, volunteers, religious leaders, and organizations who partner with us in caring for the needy, we're making a difference one person at a time," Vargas stated.
The organization continues to accept donations and welcomes volunteers interested in supporting its mission. Information regarding contribution opportunities is available through the Care in Action USA website.