Cleveland Clinic expands Treasure Coast food security support
Cleveland Clinic Florida announced targeted 2026 community investments to support food security initiatives across Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. The funding is part of Cleveland Clinic’s broader five-year, $50 million enterprise commitment to reduce hunger and improve access to nutritious food in the communities it serves.
The investments also build on Cleveland Clinic Florida’s community health efforts, which include approximately $750,000 in annual community benefit across Florida.
The 2026 Florida investments will support trusted community-based organizations that are expanding access to nutritious food for seniors, families, children and individuals facing economic hardship. Supported programs include Meals on Wheels, school and community food pantries, mobile food distribution, fresh produce access and community gardens.
“Access to nutritious food is foundational to good health,” said Conor P. Delaney, MD, PhD, president of Cleveland Clinic Florida Market. “These investments reflect our commitment to improving the health of our communities by supporting organizations that are addressing food insecurity with compassion, innovation and measurable impact.”
The 2026 Florida food security funding recipients include:
- Broward County: Meals on Wheels South Florida and Mobile School Pantry
- Palm Beach County: Quantum Foundation and Feeding the Hungry
- Martin County: House of Hope and Council on Aging of Martin County
- Lucie County: Mustard Seed Ministries, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, Council on Aging of St. Lucie and Seeding Solutions & Harvesting Hope Community Garden
- Indian River County: United Against Poverty Indian River, Senior Resource Association and The Hope for Families Center
The investments are designed to respond to local community needs while strengthening long-term, community-based solutions to food insecurity across the Florida market. Cleveland Clinic Florida’s partners are helping expand food distribution capacity, improve access to healthy food in underserved areas, support homebound seniors and invest in sustainable programs that advance community health and well-being.
Council on Aging Martin County Collaboration
The Council on Aging Martin County will receive a five-year, $250,000 philanthropic collaboration with Cleveland Clinic. The $50,000 annual grant will support Meals on Wheels Martin County and the Indiantown Congregate Meal Site, two programs serving vulnerable seniors in Martin County.
“This support from Cleveland Clinic is truly transformational,” said Karen Ripper, CEO of the Council on Aging Martin County. “With this investment, we can deepen our reach into the communities that need us the most, ensuring that no senior in Martin County goes hungry or feels forgotten. Cleveland Clinic’s commitment reflects a shared belief that access to care and food security are fundamental to healthy aging.”
Meals on Wheels Martin County provides hot, nutritious meals five days a week to homebound seniors throughout Martin County. Each delivery also serves as a wellness check and connection to community resources. The program currently serves 422 seniors each week.
The Indiantown Congregate Meal Site is one of four meal sites operated by the Council on Aging Martin County. The site serves approximately 45 seniors each week who might otherwise face isolation and food insecurity. The program is especially important in Indiantown, where the poverty rate is about 10% higher than the rest of Martin County.
The contribution builds on Cleveland Clinic’s broader efforts to address food insecurity through philanthropy and care-based programs, including teaching kitchens, pediatric summer and weekend meal initiatives, food vouchers, grocery delivery, free produce from local farms and Nourish food pantries for eligible patients.
Mustard Seed Ministries Collaboration
Mustard Seed Ministries will receive a new five-year investment from Cleveland Clinic to support food security initiatives throughout St. Lucie County. The long-term partnership will help sustain Mustard Seed’s food pantry programs in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, along with hot meals served through Sarah’s Kitchens locations at four churches in St. Lucie County.
The investment comes as rising housing, utility and grocery costs continue placing increased pressure on local families, seniors and individuals living on fixed incomes.
“We are deeply grateful for Cleveland Clinic’s continued partnership,” said Stephanie Kingsbury, executive director of Mustard Seed Ministries. “Their long-term commitment helps ensure that thousands of people in our community have access to healthy food and consistent support when they need it most. This collaboration recognizes that access to nutritious food is directly connected to health, stability and dignity.”
Mustard Seed Ministries said it looks forward to continuing its work with Cleveland Clinic to expand healthy food access and strengthen support for vulnerable residents throughout St. Lucie County.
About Council on Aging Martin County
For seniors, their families and caregivers, the Council on Aging Martin County is a comprehensive hub for senior resources. The organization works with the community to reduce anxiety, depression, loneliness and hunger, helping seniors live safer, healthier and happier lives.
For 51 years, the Council on Aging Martin County has worked to inspire a community that embraces, uplifts and encourages seniors to maintain lives of quality and purpose. Its programs include Meals on Wheels, senior dining centers, adult day services, primary care, case management, memory enhancement programming, nutrition and exercise classes, social programs and mobile outreach services.
About Mustard Seed Ministries
Mustard Seed Ministries has served St. Lucie County since 1986 through food assistance programs, hot meals, clothing assistance and other services focused on helping individuals and families facing hardship. In 2025, the organization served more than 26,000 people and provided more than 104,000 hot meals through Sarah’s Kitchens.
About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic in Florida is a nonprofit, multispecialty health care provider that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. The Florida market includes Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital and numerous outpatient centers in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. The Florida market is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic, where outstanding patient care is rooted in a mission of caring for life, researching for health and educating those who serve.
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