Community Cooperative’s annual Full Plates Project is collecting donations, food and volunteer help to provide Thanksgiving meals in Fort Myers and across Southwest Florida for neighbors facing food insecurity.
The nonprofit is asking individuals, businesses, organizations and community groups to pitch in. Families can take part by donating, sponsoring, hosting a food drive or volunteering.
Why the need grows at the holidays
The holidays add financial pressure for many local households as they balance everyday expenses with the cost of a Thanksgiving meal. According to Community Cooperative, 1 in 6 people in Southwest Florida faces food insecurity.
Families, seniors and veterans are often forced to choose between putting food on the table, paying rent and affording necessary medications, the organization said.
“Thanksgiving is about coming together, sharing a meal, and knowing we have a community that cares,” said Stefanie Ink, CEO of Community Cooperative.
“For households already struggling to afford groceries and other necessities, the added cost of a holiday meal can be overwhelming. Through the Full Plates Project, we’re working to make sure more of our neighbors can experience the comfort and dignity of a Thanksgiving meal, and we invite our community to help make that possible.”
Who the meals serve
Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to address hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida through food, education and social service programs. Through the Full Plates Project, it helps provide Thanksgiving meals to:
- Families and individuals experiencing food insecurity
- Homebound neighbors served by Meals on Wheels of Southwest Florida
- Community members visiting Sam’s Community Café & Kitchen
Families looking for more food help this season can check our guide to food banks and pantries in Collier and Lee counties and our roundup of free and low-cost Thanksgiving dinners.
How families can help
- Make a financial donation: Gifts help fund Thanksgiving Meal Kits and essential groceries for neighbors facing food insecurity.
- Become a sponsor: Sponsors support Community Cooperative’s holiday outreach and help provide meals to local households.
- Host a food drive: Collect turkeys and nonperishable Thanksgiving staples, including stuffing mix, canned vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and gravy.
- Volunteer: Help prepare, package or distribute food to neighbors throughout the community.
Families thinking about serving together can find ideas in our guide to choosing volunteer activities for your family.
Program Details
- What: Full Plates Project, Community Cooperative’s annual Thanksgiving meal effort
- Ways to help: Donate, sponsor, host a food drive or volunteer
- Contact: Thanksgiving@CommunityCooperative.com
- More information: Full Plates Project