FORT MYERS, Fla. — A Fort Myers organization plans to feed thousands and provide groceries, with the Community Cooperative on a heartfelt mission to support 10,000 families this holiday season.
Your dedicated community correspondent, Miyoshi Price, recently spoke with Christina Angle. She was filled with joy as she now has all the ingredients for a Thanksgiving feast, along with groceries for the month ahead.
WATCH HER FULL REPORT BELOW:
A Fort Myers organization plans to feed thousands and provide groceries.
On a recent Wednesday, Angle found herself grocery shopping at the community cooperative food market without spending a cent. Despite her struggles with homelessness, she expressed a sense of community as she plans to share Thanksgiving with friends.
After sharing her experience, Angle was overcome with emotion, expressing her gratitude for the bounty provided by the cooperative. “It’s awesome,” she remarked, a simple yet profound statement reflecting the warmth of the season.
The Community Cooperative, conveniently located on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, opens its doors every weekday from 10:30 a.m. until noon. CEO Stephanie Ink emphasizes the importance of their community market: “Our emergency food pantry allows individuals in need to secure a week’s worth of groceries and essentials to keep food on their tables.”
Another crucial program, Sam’s Community Cafe, serves as the heart of the organization, offering hot meals to anyone who feels hunger pangs throughout Fort Myers. “We extend these meals across our mobile food pantries throughout southwest Florida,” Ink adds, solidifying the cooperative’s commitment to tackle food insecurity in the area.
This Thanksgiving, they will go above and beyond by providing a full Thanksgiving spread to families in need. Volunteers will begin preparations at 4:30 a.m., with anticipation building as families gather in line well before the doors open at 10:30 a.m.
Meals on Wheels Manager Dave shared his excitement when discussing the Thanksgiving menu. “We’ll have turkey with stuffing made right here at the community cooperative using our special recipe. You can expect all your traditional sides, like creamy mashed potatoes and green bean casserole,” he highlighted.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Dave reminds everyone to reach out in advance if they need food dropped off. Ink assures that about 3,000 turkeys will be distributed this holiday season, all while championing the spirit of giving: “Everybody has something to share. If you cannot support us, find another organization in southwest Florida to uplift.”
Behind this generous initiative lies a small army of volunteers—120 individuals working diligently each day to ensure all programs run smoothly. Angle articulated her gratitude: “I’m so thankful for all the food I received at the community cooperative.” Her words echo a universal sentiment, reminding many of the importance of community and compassion during the holiday season.
