• Lee Health Donates $25,000 to Community Cooperative – Matching Challenge Launches Today to Double Donations and Help Feed Southwest Florida Families

    FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 7,  2025) – Lee Health has donated $25,000 to Community Cooperative to help meet the growing need for food assistance across Southwest Florida. Starting today, Lee Health will match every donation made to Community Cooperative, up to an additional $25,000, to help ensure no one in the community goes hungry.

    Community Cooperative has seen a 50% increase in people seeking emergency food assistance in the past month as families continue to face higher food costs and financial challenges. The matching challenge aims to provide immediate relief by doubling the impact of every donation received.

    “We are so grateful for Lee Health’s incredible generosity and their commitment to our community,” said Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “People need to eat every single day, and more of our neighbors than ever before are struggling to do that. We’ve seen a 50% increase in need in just the last month, and this gift will help us meet that daily need with compassion and care. Together, we can make sure no one in Southwest Florida goes hungry.”

    Lee Health’s donation reflects its continued dedication to improving community well-being and recognizing that food security is vital to health.

    How to Help

    The Lee Health Matching Challenge starts today. Every dollar donated to Community Cooperative will be matched by Lee Health, up to $25,000.

    The need in Southwest Florida is urgent. Families and seniors are struggling to put food on the table tonight. Donate today at CommunityCooperative.com or call 239-332-7687 to contribute.

    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.

    Media Contact: Kim Mohammed, Development Manager, Kim@CommunityCooperative.com, 239.332.7687 ext. 105