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Community Cooperative Commemorates 40th Anniversary with Anniversary Luncheon

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Community Cooperative Commemorates 40^th Anniversary with Anniversary Luncheon

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 1, 2024) – Community Cooperative proudly marks its 40^th anniversary with a special luncheon celebration, honoring decades of dedication and service to our community. This milestone event will take place on September 18, 2024, at The Forest County Club in Fort Myers, bringing together supporters and community members to reflect on their journey and look ahead to the future.

Founded in 1984 by Sam Galloway Jr., Community Cooperative began with the humble mission of providing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to those in need. Today, they stand as a testament to the transformative commitment to those in our community. Food insecurity in Southwest Florida has been a growing concern, exacerbated by rising food costs and economic instability. Recent trends indicate an increasing number of families struggling to access nutritious meals, with significant impacts on vulnerable populations. As inflation and housing costs continue to climb, the situation is expected to worsen, putting additional strain on local food banks and support services.

While Community Cooperative is proud to celebrate 40 years of service, these persistent challenges highlight that their work is far from complete. In response, they are ramping up efforts by expanding their food distribution programs, enhancing partnerships with local organizations, and developing innovative solutions to increase food access. Future initiatives will focus on strengthening outreach and support systems to provide sustainable relief and mitigate the impacts of food insecurity, ensuring that they continue to make a meaningful difference in the community.

As they celebrate this significant milestone, Community Cooperative remains focused on its mission to address evolving community needs and expand their impact. “This anniversary is a testament to the generosity of our community and the tireless efforts of volunteers, staff, and supporters who make this vital work possible,” says Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “We look forward to continuing our work to serve and uplift those in our community.”

For more information about Community Cooperative’s 40^th Anniversary Luncheon, visit www.communitycooperative.com/events/40thanniversary/ or to purchase a table and tickets contact Jade Bird at Jade@CommunityCooperative.com or 239-332-7687 ext. 101.

About Community Cooperative

Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education, and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity.

Media Contact: Aliyah Santana, Social Media & Marketing Coordinator, Aliyah@communitycooperative.com or call (239) 332-7687 ext. 105