Community Cooperative

In light of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, local nonprofit organizations are feeling the brunt of the impacts as a lapse in SNAP benefits persist causing individuals as well as families to function without food for extended periods of time. Find out how one organization in particular is taking extra steps to help not only its clients, but also other local organizations weathering the storm of SNAP uncertainty.

According to a study from the University of Florida, the COVID-19 pandemic initiated an influx of pet adoptions all throughout the country. However, data compiled from over 200 clinics between 2019 and 2021 showed that nearly 3 million of those adoptees were not spayed or neutered. To address this, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter collected about $25,000 through a state grant program called the Florida Animal Friend Grant. This funded their initiative, “Operation: Fix It Florida,” which provided over 400 sterilization procedures for pet owners who previously couldn’t afford the service.

Eleven tons of peanut butter and jelly. That's how much of the lunchtime staple Community Cooperative brought in during its annual Southwest Florida PB&J Drive.Each year, the PB&J Drive invites local businesses, churches, schools, and communities to compete for the coveted title of “Most Love Collected,” all in support of fighting summer hunger for local children and families. This year’s drive saw dozens of dedicated groups participating and spreading awareness, compassion, and kindness — one jar at a time.

Community Cooperative in Fort Myers, makes those in need feel right at home, hunger, food pantry, helping to eliminate hunger and homelessness