Loaves and fishes, part 2, March '75: Grassy Key, FL

Living in an improvised tent city during the recession that ravished this country during the mid 1970’s meant folks had to be resourceful to meet their basic needs. Having a place to squat and not having to suffer cold weather meant that a couple of the elements were covered. Food was another matter. The Keys of Florida are not a place where large quantities of food are grown. Most items beside seafood have to be trucked in and sold at high prices. Our community worked together to provide sustenance for all. It seemed all would partake of whatever showed up. All 50 or so folks ate together scattered about the beach.
A few of the crew got together fishing gear and headed up and down the shore gathering fish. When the fish cooperated, we were grateful. Others of the band searched about for coconuts to glean. It seemed there were trees that had gone wild and if not gathered their fruit would only go to rot. Our abundance of coconuts was supplemented by an occasional piece of citrus, mostly limes or kumquats. Someone discovered a source of good produce. The supermarket in Marathon, would on a daily basis dispose of produce that while still good was not presentable for sale. After talking to their produce manager, he agreed to set these items on the back landing instead of placing them in the dumpster. After we took our lot we would sweep and clean up the loading dock. This helped supply our stores with needed daily requirements. Soon another windfall would show up that gave us an increased variety for our manna.
Occasionally a freezer would break down and after a short length of time, its contents would begin defrosting. It was told us that in Florida such food would by law have to be disposed. On these occasions large quantities of thawing foodstuffs would make their way to our encampment. When this happened we would have large quantities but small variety. The first time we obtained over 200 lbs. of bacon and a similar quantity of margarine. This was more than we could use and we had no facilities for storage. We begin to search for other places that had needs for food and shared with them, Also on the occasion when a freezer broke down we would likely suffer a tinge of gluttony. One time we even went overboard. After a spell when the fishing was not profitable and other sources seemed to be sparing, we were all on a bit of a fast.
One day in late afternoon, when the energy was low from lacking nutrition, one of our vehicles came bounding down the beach with its horn blaring and wild shouts from its driver and passengers. The cause of the commotion was the exciting news that another freezer had succumbed. Hurriedly, a crown gathered round to examine the booty. We had scored several cases of Tee Vee dinners. There was a scrambling for large pots that we could prepare the separate ingredients in large quantities and enjoy a feast. I went up the beach to spread the news we were ready to break the fast. One of my stops was to visit Michelle, Richard, and Tom, folks visiting from Hawaii.
After sharing the news, we discussed the prudence in the face of coming off a fast with large quantities of greasy salty food. Instead of campaigning to force everyone to be moderate and not overindulge, we decided to hold ourselves around our fire and share our course with anyone who choose to join us. Several folks dropped by to share our good fortune at receiving a large bounty. Only a few stayed with us to continue our fast and figure a way to slowly get back to the banquet. The overwhelming numbers of folks we witnessed that evening and the next morning suffering from overindulgence confirmed the wisdom of our decision and filled us with gratitude that we could withstand the temptation to join in the celebration.