Community Cooperative Launches “Saucy September” Food Drive to Add Flavor to Emergency Food Assistance
FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 2026) – September is National Condiment Month, and Community Cooperative is giving Southwest Florida a reason to celebrate! Throughout the month, the nonprofit is collecting sauces, spices, and condiments through its “Saucy September” food drive to help local families turn emergency food assistance into delicious, nourishing meals.
Items like seasonings, ketchup, mayonnaise, salad dressings, and other shelf-stable sauces and condiments are often overlooked during traditional food drives. While they may not be the first items that come to mind when thinking about food donations, these everyday staples can make a meaningful difference for families receiving emergency groceries through Community Cooperative’s Community Market on Demand and Mobile Food Pantry Program. Adding sauces, spices, and condiments gives families the opportunity to customize their meals and make the most of the ingredients available to them.
“When we think about fighting hunger, we often focus on the main ingredients, but the little things can make all the difference,” said Stefanie Ink, CEO of Community Cooperative. “The sauces, spices, and condiments we use every day can transform basic ingredients into meals that are flavorful, familiar, and enjoyable. Saucy September is a fun way to shine a light on these often-overlooked items and give our neighbors more ways to make the food they receive work for their families.”
Throughout September, individuals, businesses, schools, faith communities, civic groups, and other organizations are encouraged to host a Saucy September collection and donate unopened, unexpired, shelf-stable items.
Suggested donations include:
- Pasta and pizza sauces
- Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise
- Hot sauce and salsa
- Salad dressings
- Gravy and marinades
- Soy sauce and other cooking sauces
- Spices and seasoning blends
- Cooking oils and vinegars
- Other shelf-stable condiments
For more information, or to organize a food drive, contact [email protected].
About Community Cooperative
Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education, and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors, and staff, Community Cooperative remains committed to collecting and distributing resources through a strong network of community partners, serving all with compassion and integrity