HCA Florida North Florida Hospital announced Tuesday that the hospital colleagues had raised more than $8,000 to provide 50,000 meals through the Bread of the Mighty Food Bank.

The fundraising campaign was in honor of the hospital’s 50^th anniversary and hospital officials held a volunteer day and check presentation at the Bread of the Mighty’s distribution center in Gainesville. The event formally concluded the hospital’s 50^th anniversary celebrations.

According to North Florida Hospital’s press release, the funds were raised throughout the year from various departments through silent auctions, t-shirt sales and bake sales as part of the hospital’s community engagement impact activities to address food insecurity.

“At HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, we show up for our community, and this inspiring team effort is just one of the countless examples of that,” said Eric Lawson, chief executive officer of HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, in the release “To quote one of our founding physicians, Dr. Thomas Frist Sr., ‘Bricks and mortar do not make a hospital, people do.’ Our colleagues truly demonstrated what it means to care like family by providing healthier tomorrows for our community.”

One in nine Americans do not have consistent access to nutritious food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The release stated food insecurity is associated with multiple chronic health conditions that include obesity, heart disease, diabetes and mental health disorders.

Since 2021, North Florida Hospital’s colleagues have donated more than 3,631 pounds to the Bread of the Mighty and have partnered over the years with the food bank on multiple initiatives, including the annual Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrows Food Drive.

“We are deeply grateful for the partnership with HCA Florida North Florida Hospital,” said Patrick Dodds, executive director of Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, in the release. “HCA Florida Healthcare’s commitment to fighting hunger aligns perfectly with our mission and their generous donation ensures that everyone in our community has the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with a full and happy heart. We’re proud to be community partners and celebrate their 50 years with this act of generosity.”