Community Cooperative calls on Southwest Florida residents to help those facing food insecurity this holiday season
As families across Southwest Florida prepare for the holidays, Community Cooperative is experiencing an unprecedented rise in food insecurity. Recent cuts to SNAP benefits and ongoing increases in rent, utilities, and everyday living costs have led to an unprecedented number of families seeking support through Community Cooperative’s programs.
“Many of our neighbors are facing incredibly difficult choices right now between paying rent, keeping the lights on, and feeding their families,” said Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “The holidays should be a time of joy, but for many, they have become a time of fear and uncertainty.”
Community Cooperative’s Community Market, Mobile Food Pantries, and Sam’s Community Café & Kitchen are serving hundreds of individuals and families each day. These programs provide hot meals, fresh groceries, and essential resources. Staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to meet the growing demand; however, the need is outpacing the supply.
“We are calling on the entire community to step in and help during this critical time,” said Edwards. “Local businesses, civic groups, schools, neighborhoods, and individuals can make a real difference for struggling families. No one should have to worry about their next meal, especially during the holidays.”
How the Community Can Help
• Host a Food Drive — Businesses, churches, schools, and neighborhoods can collect nonperishable food items to help restock Community Cooperative’s pantry shelves.
• Make a Monetary Donation — Financial contributions directly support hunger relief programs and allow Community Cooperative to purchase fresh produce, pantry staples, and holiday meal items. Thanks to a generous gift from Lee Health, all donations made during this holiday season will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact and helping even more families in need.
• Volunteer Time — Community members can serve at Sam’s Community Café & Kitchen, assist at the Community Market, support mobile food distributions, or help sort donated goods.
• Donate Holiday Items — Gift cards to local grocery stores, holiday meal staples, and frozen turkeys help families enjoy a full holiday meal at home.
About Community Cooperative
Community Cooperative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida through innovative programs such as Meals on Wheels of SWFL, community cafés, emergency food pantries, and social service outreach. Founded in 1984, the organization empowers individuals and families to achieve stability by providing nutritious meals, compassionate support, and pathways to self-sufficiency. Guided by the mission of “Feeding People. Nourishing Lives.” Community Cooperative serves thousands of residents each year and relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and partners to make a lasting impact.