The Winn-Dixie Company, together with its charitable arm, The Winn-Dixie Company Gives Foundation, is donating $150,000 to the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs to help provide meals and snacks to children who may not have enough to eat during the summer months.
The donation supports local YMCA summer programs that provide children with access to nourishing food, activities and welcoming spaces to learn, play and grow.
According to Feeding America, one in five children in Florida experience food insecurity. The partnership will support more than 6,000 summer program participants through four YMCA associations serving families across 19 Florida counties, including:
- First Coast YMCA (Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns);
- Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA (Hillsborough);
- YMCA of Central Florida (Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole); and
- YMCA of Southwest Florida (Charlotte, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Manatee, Sarasota).
To kick off the partnership, Winn-Dixie employees joined YMCA staff and program participants for a food-packing event at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA on June 22, assembling meal and snack packs for children in YMCA summer programs.
“Summer should be a time for kids to learn, play and create lasting memories — not a time when families have to worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Jennifer Short, chief people officer for The Winn-Dixie Co.
“We take our responsibility as a hometown grocer seriously, and through our partnership with the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs, we’re helping provide nutritious meals and essential support for children across our home state of Florida. At Winn-Dixie, nourishing our neighbors is at the heart of who we are, and we’re proud to stand alongside the Y to help families thrive during one of the most critical times of the year for those facing food insecurity.”
Funding will support locally tailored solutions, including summer meals, backpack and take-home programs, mobile food delivery and fresh produce initiatives. Customers who wish to support local hunger-relief efforts can purchase pre-packed donation bags for $5, $10, or $15 at their neighborhood Winn-Dixie store, with each bag distributed to a local nonprofit organization.
“When school is out, the need for wholesome meals doesn’t take a summer vacation,” said Lynne Wilcox, president and CEO of the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs.
“Partnerships with organizations like The Winn-Dixie Company help ensure families have access to the food and support they need during this critical time. We’re grateful for their commitment to strengthening communities and supporting our youth across Florida.”
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