Fort Myers Brewing Company hosted “Gateway CAN do it: Food Drive Rally” and collected 3,000 pounds of food and raised more than $1,400 for Community Cooperative Thursday, April 30. The donations of food and money is enough to feed approximately 525 people for a week. Another drive-thru food drive is planned at Fort Myers Brewing May 14 from 3 to 7 p.m.
Fort Myers Brewing challenged the community to fill a box truck by donating shelf-stable food products or checks, so that Community Cooperative can cost-effectively buy the food it needs.
“We can’t thank Fort Myers Brewing enough for engaging Gateways residents and businesses to participate,” said Stefanie Ink-Edwards, chief development and operations officer for Community Cooperative. “It is going to take the whole community to get through this crisis, and we are grateful for community partners and support as the need for food continues to grow week by week.”
At the food drive planned May 14, Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS) will join Community Cooperative to receive donations of unopened pet food and treats that will be distributed at Community Cooperative food pantries to help people be able to keep their pets safe at home.
GCHS has handed out nearly four tons of dog and cat food to people with pets during the Community Cooperative’s Mobile Food Pantries throughout the month of April. The opportunity to take part in 13 Mobile Food Pantries in April alone, was specifically due to the community stepping up and donating enough pet food to GCHS’ Pet Food 4 Furever Families program.
GCHS is planning to attend as many Mobile Food Pantries throughout the month of May, as long as there is enough pet food to distribute.
“We made our pleas to the community for pet food and the people made it happen with their donations,” said GCHS executive director Jennifer Galloway. “Our goal throughout this COVID-19 crisis is to provide pet food to families in need, so they can keep their pet and are not forced to surrender them because of unfortunate circumstances out of their control. Every pet food donation will make it into the hands of the people who need it.”
With the need to feed local families and seniors tripling, Community Cooperative is working throughout Lee County to provide mobile food pantries, Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors and daily hot grab-and-go meals. Monetary donations are the biggest need so the organization can buy in bulk and leverage special pricing with its suppliers. To donate or learn more about how you can help or what to donate, visit https://communitycooperative.com/.
About Fort Myers Brewing Company
Established in 2013, Fort Myers Brewing Company was the first microbrewery to open in Lee County and continues to lead Southwest Florida’s surging craft beer movement. Founded by Rob and Jen Whyte, Fort Myers Brewing carries a signature line of flagship beers in addition to seasonal brews and small batch specialties. Its ales, pilsners, stouts and IPAs are winners of multiple prestigious awards, including golds at the Best Florida Beer Competition, a silver at the 2018 World Beer Cup and a bronze at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival. Fort Myers Brewing was named “Best Large Brewery in Florida” in 2016. Its beers are poured at 1,041 locations, including 620 bars and restaurants, and are available for purchase in 421 retail outlets, including Publix, Costco and Total Wine. The brewery is located at 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. For more information, visit FMbrew.com or call 239-313-6576.
About Community Cooperative
For 35 years, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County 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. For more resources and information on how to get involved, contact Stefanie Edwards at Stefanie@CommunityCooperative.com or call (239) 332-7687. Monetary donations are always welcomed and can be made directly at www.CommunityCooperative.com, or mailed to: Community Cooperative, P.O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL 33902.
About Gulf Coast Humane Society
Gulf Coast Humane Society is a regional organization dedicated to helping companion pets find their forever homes, no matter how long it takes. GCHS provides an adoption center, spay-neuter and veterinary clinic, as well as education and awareness to the public about the welfare of homeless pets.
GCHS’ mission is to care for companion pets in need by offering safe refuge, providing medical care and facilitating adoptions. GCHS promotes the concept the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” and help educate the community about proper and responsible animal care, while providing quality, affordable veterinary care. Donations can be sent to: 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, Fla. 33916 or visit our website at www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org.
