Community Cooperative Launches Annual Thanksgiving Outreach- Full Plates Project 2023

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 9, 2023) – Community Cooperative is excited to announce the annual launch of the Full Plates Project for 2023, an initiative to provide Thanksgiving meal kits and hot meals to families in need. We want to ensure there are no empty plates this Thanksgiving. To make this vision a reality, we are seeking the generous support of the community through donations and partnerships.
The Full Plates Initiative represents Community Cooperative’s commitment to combating hunger and food insecurity by providing families with the items needed to make a Thanksgiving meal. Donations of any size can make a significant impact on someone’s life.
“Full Plates Project is a critical part of our holiday outreach, and its success allows us to provide much needed food for many southwest Florida families this holiday season,” said Stefanie Ink-Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Community Cooperative. “In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever that we come together to help those who need it. We invite everyone in our community to be a part of our efforts by getting involved.”
How to ensure there are no empty plates this Thanksgiving:

1. Donate a Thanksgiving Basket: Include all the basics to feed a family of four with a festive Thanksgiving meal.
2. Donate $50 to Sponsor a Family Thanksgiving Basket: Provides a meal kit filled with a Turkey, sides and all the basics to provide a Thanksgiving meal.
3. Organize a food drive: Get your business organization or a group of friends together and host a food drive to collect basic items for a delicious Thanksgiving meal.
4. Donate any holiday food items: Donate multiple items so WE can make the Thanksgiving Baskets full of items needed to make a Thanksgiving meal.
   Every donation will directly contribute to purchasing food, running meals programs, and ensuring no plate is empty this Thanksgiving. For more information on the Full Plates Project 2023 and how to donate, please visit www.communitycooperative.com/give-help/full-plates-project/.
   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 stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity.