Lipman Family Farms reinforced its longstanding commitment to fighting hunger with a $2 million gift to the Harry Chapin Food Bank. The donation provides a critical boost to efforts to curb food insecurity in Southwest Florida at a time of growing regional need.
The donation supports a new Fort Myers facility built to move more fresh, nutritious food to families across the region.
New Facility Aims to Expand Fresh Food Distribution
The new center breaks ground in November and opens late next year. It boosts the food bank’s capacity to sort, pack, and distribute fresh produce efficiently. It also expands volunteer capacity and improves logistics, giving the organization stronger tools to address rising demand for food insecurity in Southwest Florida.
Moreover, the expansion enables the food bank to move fresh goods more quickly. More than a quarter of a million people receive help each month, and leaders say the new site strengthens operations at a crucial moment.
Lipman Deepens a Longstanding Partnership
Lipman Family Farms, headquartered in Immokalee and family-owned for more than 75 years, has supported the Harry Chapin Food Bank for decades. Through this relationship, they seek to mitigate food insecurity in Southwest Florida by ensuring that communities have access to fresh produce rather than just shelf-stable goods.
Furthermore, the donation reflects Lipman’s Good From The Ground Up philosophy, which prioritizes hunger relief as a core value.
Jaime Weisinger, director of community and government relations for Lipman Family Farms, said the cause drives the company’s broader purpose. “Harry Chapin Food Bank has been an essential partner in making that vision real. We believe that no one should go hungry. This contribution will be a force multiplier for that mission,” he said.
Related Article: Younger Consumers Drive Growth in Organic Food Market
Volunteering Drives Efforts Against Food Insecurity in Southwest Florida
The new facility includes a dedicated Volunteers Center, which will carry Lipman’s name. Increased volunteer space helps the food bank improve its handling of fresh produce donations and sharpen its response to community needs.
Richard LeBer, president and CEO of the Harry Chapin Food Bank, called the donation a “landmark gift” and said it accelerates progress toward a future Hunger Action Center. He emphasized Lipman’s consistent support and its importance to Southwest Florida food insecurity initiatives.
Lipman’s Broader Commitment Extends Nationwide
In addition to this investment, Lipman donates more than a million pounds of produce nationwide each year. The company also engages employees in service through its annual Day of Good, reinforcing its hands-on role in hunger relief.
As families across the region face continued pressure, the new facility and Lipman’s involvement create stronger pathways to address food insecurity in Southwest Florida by distributing fresh, nutritious food. The partnership underscores a clear message shared by both organizations: every community deserves reliable access to healthy food.