HCA Florida Healthcare provides nutritious meals for neighbors with annual food drive
Orlando, FL — In this season of giving, HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals in the greater Orlando area are grateful to be able to support the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, HOPE Helps Food Pantry and hurricane response for Jamaica, with a donation of more than 2,000 pounds of food last month collected by our colleagues to help communities in need.
“We’re grateful for HCA’s long- standing partnership in the fight against hunger. This collaborative effort will ensure children, families and seniors have the nutritious food they need to thrive this holiday season and into the new year,” said Dan Samuels, director of philanthropy, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
As part of HCA Healthcare’s 5th annual Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrows Food & Nutrition Drive, the HCA Healthcare Foundation and hospital colleagues throughout the state provide thousands of nutritious meals by donating food and making financial contributions to help purchase perishable items such as milk, fruit and vegetables.
“At a time of increasing need for many families, HCA Florida Healthcare colleagues are grateful for the opportunity to contribute toward a healthier tomorrow for our neighbors, and for families on the long road to recovery from Hurricane Melissa,” said Cullen Brown, HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital. “Our annual Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrows Food & Nutrition Drive provides a timely reminder of the importance of healthy eating and having access to nutritious food all year long.”
Here in the U.S., more than one in seven Americans lack consistent access to nutritious food, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food insecurity is associated with a higher risk of multiple chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, mental health concerns and other chronic diseases.