Community Cooperative Launches Annual Full Plates Project

No Plate Will Be Empty This Thanksgiving

As the holiday season approaches, Community Cooperative is launching its annual Full Plates Project to ensure that no one in Southwest Florida has an empty plate this Thanksgiving.

Here in Southwest Florida, one in six people faces the harsh reality of hunger and food insecurity. Too many children, seniors, veterans, and families in our community are forced to choose between putting food on their tables or paying for everyday living expenses like rent and medications.

For more than 40 years, Community Cooperative has been a beacon of hope for those in need, especially during the holidays. Through the Full Plates Project, the organization provides thousands of families with complete Thanksgiving meal kits filled with traditional holiday favorites, ensuring everyone can gather, share, and give thanks. Thanksgiving meals are also distributed to anyone looking for a hot meal at Sam’s Community Cafe, and through Meals on Wheels of Southwest Florida.

“The holidays can be especially difficult for families facing food insecurity,” said Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “With your help, we can ensure more families can gather around the table and share a nourishing Thanksgiving meal this season. Together, we can make sure no one in our community has an empty plate this holiday.”

Community Cooperative invites the community to get involved by:
• Financial Donation: Help purchase Thanksgiving meal kits and pantry staples for local families.
• Sponsoring: Become a holiday outreach sponsor to directly support families in need.
• Hosting a Food Drive: Collect turkeys and non-perishable holiday items such as stuffing mix, canned vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
• Volunteering: Assist with distributing meals and emergency groceries across Southwest Florida.

The Community’s generosity to the Full Plates Project helps bring comfort, nourishment, and hope to our neighbors during the season of thankfulness and giving.

To donate, host a food drive, or learn more about how you can help, visit CommunityCooperative.com or contact [email protected]