Nov. 7, 2025 – Lee Health, through the Lee Health Foundation, is donating a total of $50,000 to help address food insecurity in the community — a need made more urgent by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The funds will be shared equally between Harry Chapin Food Bank and Community Cooperative, two local nonprofit partners dedicated to ensuring access to nutritious meals for families across Southwest Florida.
“Food plays a direct role in healing, health, and overall well-being,” said Larry Antonucci, M.D., President & CEO of Lee Health. “Our mission has always been to care for our community. That isn’t confined to our hospitals or clinics but extends to every aspect of their health and wellness. By supporting organizations that provide food and nutrition assistance, we’re helping to strengthen the foundation of community health and ensure our neighbors have what they need to thrive.”
The $25,000 donation to Community Cooperative will serve as a matching gift, doubling its impact by encouraging others in the community to join in supporting local hunger relief efforts.
Together, these contributions will help fund meal distribution and emergency food programs serving thousands of local families, including patients who may be affected by limited access to federal nutrition assistance during the shutdown.
“As a community-based health system, we’re proud to stand by our community partners on the frontlines of meeting basic needs,” said Selynto Anderson, Chief Community Health and Impact Officer. “Our mission is to care for the people of Southwest Florida, and that means supporting the organizations that address the social factors that impact health, like access to food.”
Harry Chapin Food Bank and Community Cooperative have long partnered with Lee Health to provide nutritional support for patients and families. These funds will help both organizations continue their essential work at a time when demand for assistance is increasing.
Lee Health encourages anyone facing food insecurity to reach out to these community partners for more information about local resources and patient support programs.
Visit us at LeeHealth.org and LeeHealthFoundation.org to learn more about additional resources and services available for those in need.
About Lee Health
Lee Health has been a cornerstone of health care in Southwest Florida since opening its first hospital in 1916. As a non-profit, integrated health system, Lee Health is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. With a strong commitment to community health and wellness, Lee Health commits to evolving with the growing and changing needs of the region. The system offers comprehensive services through four acute care hospitals, Golisano Children’s Hospital, three skilled nursing locations, outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, and a wide network of primary care and specialty practices. Lee Health supports every step of the health journey, from preventive care to advanced treatment for every member of our community. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.