Hospital organizes food drive
In this season of giving, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are grateful to be able to support College Park Elementary, a United Way Community Partnership School, with a donation of 716 of pounds of food this season, collected by our colleagues to help our neighbors in need.
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 to community organizations 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 Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital colleagues are grateful for the opportunity to contribute toward a healthier tomorrow for our neighbors,” said Alan Keesee, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “These donations were transformed into a 'Give S'more Back' food structure, symbolizing the gathering of a community around a campfire, the same way our teams band together to provide exceptional care to those who need it. Together, we continue to strengthen the community we proudly call home.”
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.
As part of this year’s food drive, hospital teams are encouraged to use their creativity to construct sculptures with the donated food to promote the effort and encourage donations. Photos of the sculptures are submitted, and a winner is selected in each HCA Healthcare division to receive a $10,000 grant for a food bank serving their community.