Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) and Baptist Health have announced a partnership aimed at addressing food insecurity in the region. The collaboration is supported by funding that will allow FNEFL to distribute more than 215,000 meals across its 12-county service area. The initiative involves purchasing essential grocery staples such as fresh produce, dry goods, and proteins, as well as covering logistical costs for distribution.
The demand for food assistance has increased following the recent government shutdown and the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits. Many individuals and families continue to face challenges meeting basic needs, often having to choose between paying bills, buying medication, or securing food. According to Feeding Northeast Florida, recovery from the shutdown will take time because people had to seek alternative financial support while waiting for government aid.
Susan King, President & CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida, stated: “Food insecurity is a complex issue. Many of the individuals we served during and since the shutdown have never sought food assistance before. With so many households living paycheck to paycheck, one bump in the road –– like a delayed paycheck due to a shutdown, or the pause of a government program like SNAP –– can make difficult circumstances exponentially worse very quickly. We are grateful for philanthropic supporters, like Baptist Health, who have stepped in to help so we can ensure our neighbors have what they need to feed their families.”
During the shutdown period, families who had not previously needed help turned to food banks for support. Keira M., a Jacksonville resident whose family was affected by missed federal paychecks, shared her experience: “This is our first time at a food drive,” she said. “We have flown through our savings, and we’re stretching everything we can to get us as far as we can.” Her situation highlights how unexpected events pushed more households into crisis.
Baptist Health’s involvement is part of its broader mission-driven approach to improving community health outcomes through strategic investments and partnerships with local organizations and agencies. Katie Ensign, vice president of Community Impact for Baptist Health, emphasized that addressing food insecurity remains a priority identified in their 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment—a study conducted every three years by Baptist Health along with other nonprofit hospitals in the area.
Ensign explained: “Consistent with Baptist Health’s mission, we focus on improving the health and well-being of our most vulnerable community members by reaching them where they live, work, pray, and learn. We know that lack of access to food leads to poor health outcomes. By collaborating with Feeding Northeast Florida, we can make a significant impact in the lives of people in our community who are struggling to put food on the table, especially during the holiday season.”
According to data from regional assessments cited by Ensign and FNEFL leadership—about 31% of residents in Northeast Florida experience low access to food; this rate exceeds both state (25%) and national (22%) averages.
More than 310,000 people—including approximately 95,000 children—in Northeast Florida face some level of food insecurity within FNEFL’s coverage area. This equates roughly to one out of every seven adults and one out of every five children being affected.
FNEFL continues efforts year-round through volunteer programs and advocacy initiatives aimed at increasing available resources for those facing hunger in Northeast Florida. Those interested in volunteering or donating can visit feedingnefl.org for more information about how they can contribute or find assistance.
