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AdventHealth West Florida partnered with local organizations, schools, volunteers and farmers to help address food insecurity across Pasco County following the government shutdown and pause in SNAP benefits. Over a four-week period leading up to the 2025 Christmas holiday break, fresh produce and food were distributed through 15 elementary schools, two Boys & Girls Clubs, several senior housing facilities and additional community food distribution sites. Supported by AdventHealth, BayCare, Orlando Health and Johns Hopkins, the initiative reached approximately 3,700 families and helped distribute more than 63,000 pounds of food, equal to an estimated 160,000 servings. Nurses from AdventHealth Dade City also volunteered their time packing grocery bags to help families quickly access fresh produce and holiday meals.

Why We Did It

AdventHealth supported this initiative to help improve access to nutritious food for underserved families throughout West Florida, particularly in rural communities where food insecurity remains a significant challenge. Community leaders and school staff shared that many families rarely have access to fresh produce, with some relying primarily on boxed or canned foods due to financial and transportation barriers. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, farmers, and volunteers, AdventHealth continues working to address social determinants of health such as food access and poverty.