Community members encouraged to donate non-perishable food items November 1–20 to benefit Sharing and Caring of Fort Walton Beach
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is inviting residents across the Emerald Coast to join its efforts to fight hunger this holiday season by participating in its Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrows food and nutrition drive, taking place November 1–20.
The hospital is collecting non-perishable food items to benefit Sharing and Caring of Fort Walton Beach, a local organization dedicated to helping individuals and families in need. While hospital colleagues are coming together to support the initiative, community members are also encouraged to participate and help make a difference for their neighbors.
With one in eight families struggling with food insecurity, access to nutritious food remains a significant challenge for many households. Through this food drive, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital hopes to bring the community together to help ensure local families have food on their tables, especially as the holiday season approaches.
“At HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, caring for our community extends far beyond the walls of our hospital,” said KC Donahey, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. “We know that access to nutritious food is an important part of overall health and well-being. By inviting our neighbors to join us in this effort, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for local families who need a helping hand.”
How the Community Can Help
Residents, businesses and community organizations are encouraged to participate by donating non-perishable food items, such as canned vegetables, canned fruits, soups, pasta, rice, peanut butter and other shelf-stable pantry staples.
Donations will be accepted through November 20 at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. Community members may bring their contributions to the hospital's main entrance lobby security desk.
Every donation, big or small, can help provide much-needed food assistance to individuals and families in the Fort Walton Beach area.
“Whether it's a few cans from your pantry or a bag of groceries, every contribution matters,” said Denise Kendust, assistant vice president of community engagement. “We hope our community will join us in showing what we can accomplish when we work together to care for our neighbors.”
The food drive is part of HCA Healthcare's Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrows initiative, reinforcing the connection between good nutrition, healthier lives and stronger communities.
Food Drive Details
- Dates: November 1–20, 2026
- Benefiting: Sharing and Caring of Fort Walton Beach
- Donation Items: Non-perishable food items only
- Drop-off Location: HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Main Entrance security desk
- Who Can Participate: Hospital colleagues, local residents, businesses and community organizations
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital encourages everyone to help spread the word and join this community-wide effort to fight hunger, nourish families and make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need.
