PASCO COUNTY – Hospitals across AdventHealth’s West Florida division helped make the holidays a little brighter for families in need across Pasco County.
Team members from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Connerton recently came together to provide fresh produce to children and families just in time for the holiday break.
This initiative brought healthy fruits and vegetables to 165 children and their families at Boys and Girls Club Lacoochee, Achieve Center New Port Richey, Achieve Center Wesley Chapel, and Quail Hollow Elementary.
Many of these families rely on free and reduced lunches during the school year, so this extra food makes a big difference while school is out.
AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Connerton also helped stock the One Stop Shop food pantry in Dade City with produce for more than 1,000 families – about 4,000 people. Dade City nurses volunteered to pack grocery bags ahead of time so families could quickly drive through and pick up fresh food for the holidays.
Pantry organizers shared they often struggle to get fresh produce and usually have canned or boxed food to offer and that when they surveyed the families they serve, produce was one of the most requested items.
Using the insights gained from its Community Health Needs Assessments, AdventHealth works with community organizations and stakeholders like these to support programs that reduce the social determinants of health that contribute to poverty, unemployment and transportation.
“From food security to better transportation, our community benefit programs, initiatives and partnerships work to meet the health needs of our West Florida communities,” said Dean Whaley, executive director of strategic partnerships and community engagement for the AdventHealth West Florida Division. “It’s our goal to identify specific health opportunities and implement tailored programs to boost whole-person health for everyone in our communities.”