Naples Children Foundation Awards $400,000 Grant to Midwest Food Bank Florida to Combat Child Hunger in Collier County

The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) has awarded a $400,000 grant to the Midwest Food Bank Florida to support efforts to combat child hunger in Collier County. This funding will help expand access to nutritious food for children and families facing food insecurity in the region, particularly through school-based pantry programs and mobile distribution initiatives.

According to the Naples Children & Education Foundation, the grant is part of its ongoing commitment to improving the lives of underprivileged children in Southwest Florida. NCEF, best known as the founder of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, has invested over $200 million since its inception in 2000 to support children’s emotional, educational, and physical well-being.

The Midwest Food Bank Florida, a nonprofit affiliate of the national Midwest Food Bank organization, operates food distribution centers in Fort Myers and Naples, serving dozens of partner agencies across Lee, Collier, Hendry, and Glades counties. The organization focuses on alleviating hunger by collecting, storing, and distributing donated food and essential supplies to those in necessitate.

Child hunger remains a pressing issue in Collier County. Data from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study indicates that approximately one in five children in Southwest Florida faces food insecurity. In Collier County specifically, over 15,000 children are estimated to live in households with limited or uncertain access to adequate nutrition.

The grant from NCEF will enable Midwest Food Bank Florida to strengthen its BackPack Program, which provides weekend meals to students who rely on free or reduced-price lunches during the school week. Funds will support the expansion of School Pantry Program sites, where families can access groceries and hygiene products discreetly on school campuses.

“This partnership allows us to reach more children where they are — in schools and neighborhoods — with reliable, nutritious food,” said Kristin Grimshaw, Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank Florida. “With the support of the Naples Children & Education Foundation, we can scale our efforts to ensure no child in Collier County has to worry about where their next meal is coming from.”

NCEF’s grant-making strategy emphasizes measurable impact and collaboration with proven community partners. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that address root causes of poverty and inequality, with a strong focus on early childhood development, education, and health.

In addition to direct food assistance, the funded programs incorporate nutrition education and referrals to wraparound services such as healthcare, counseling, and workforce development — aiming to break the cycle of poverty through holistic support.

As food costs continue to rise and economic pressures persist post-pandemic, charitable investments like this one play a critical role in stabilizing vulnerable communities. Both NCEF and Midwest Food Bank Florida encourage individuals and businesses to support ongoing efforts through volunteering, donations, and advocacy.

Key Takeaways

• The Naples Children & Education Foundation awarded a $400,000 grant to Midwest Food Bank Florida to fight child hunger in Collier County.
• Funding will support the BackPack Program and School Pantry Program, providing weekend meals and groceries to students and families in need.
• Approximately one in five children in Southwest Florida faces food insecurity, according to Feeding America.
• The partnership reflects NCEF’s long-standing mission to improve the lives of underprivileged children through strategic philanthropy.
• Midwest Food Bank Florida serves multiple counties in Southwest Florida and relies on donated food and volunteer support to operate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Naples Children & Education Foundation?

The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 that aims to improve the lives of underprivileged children in Collier County and surrounding areas. It is best known for creating the Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the most successful charity wine auctions in the world. To date, NCEF has granted over $200 million to more than 40 charitable organizations supporting children’s health, education, and emotional well-being.

How does Midwest Food Bank Florida help fight hunger?

Midwest Food Bank Florida collects surplus food from farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and distributors, then stores and distributes it to a network of partner agencies including food pantries, shelters, and schools. The organization operates on a volunteer-driven model and provides food at no cost to recipient agencies, helping to reduce waste while addressing hunger.

Who is eligible to receive food assistance through these programs?

Children and families experiencing food insecurity are eligible for assistance. The BackPack Program targets students who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, while School Pantry Programs are open to any family in need within the school community, with an emphasis on dignity, and accessibility.

Can individuals donate or volunteer to support these efforts?

Yes. Both the Naples Children & Education Foundation and Midwest Food Bank Florida welcome donations and volunteer support. Information on how to obtain involved can be found on their respective websites: ncef.org and midwestfoodbank.org/florida.