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United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) is proud to announce a significant state appropriation for the 2025–2026 fiscal year to support hunger relief and wellness initiatives in Hardee and Highlands counties. This funding will directly address food insecurity, improve health outcomes, and empower individuals and families living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. The initiative, titled “Thrive Together: End Hunger & Wellness Navigation,” will deploy Community Wellness Navigators, provide healthy food distributions and offer critical resources to underserved rural communities. With a total of $250,000 in nonrecurring state funds, the program will allow UWCF to expand its reach to underserved individuals, providing fresh produce, frozen meats, and shelf-stable goods to families in need. This vital support was made possible through the advocacy and collaboration of local legislators. In February, United Way of Central Florida staff and board members met with lawmakers in Tallahassee to share the urgent needs of Central Florida communities and highlight critical funding gaps. Special thanks go to Senate President Ben Albritton and Senator Colleen Burton, and Representatives Jon Albert, Jennifer Canady, Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, Josie Tomkow, and Kaylee Tuck for championing this initiative and warmly welcoming our team during legislative visits. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our state leaders,” said Christina Criser Jackson, President & CEO of United Way of Central Florida. “This funding will not only provide food but also connect families to healthcare, education, housing, and other essential services that help them thrive.” The program will be implemented in partnership with local organizations. These partners will help distribute food and provide on-the-ground support to ensure the success of the initiative. United Way of Central Florida serves Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties by strengthening community resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security—working toward a future where every person in Central Florida can reach their full potential. About United Way of Central Florida United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) works to improve lives and strengthen our community by identifying needs and delivering collaborative, local solutions. We serve Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties through trusted partnerships that address the most critical challenges. Our mission is to inspire our community to give, advocate, and volunteer by mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change. From building resilience to expanding youth opportunity and financial security, UWCF is working toward a future where every person in our community can reach their full potential. We amplify donor dollars, improve efficiencies, and broker services that make the greatest impact. United Way believes no one can do their best if they are hungry, sick, or in pain. Learn more at uwcf.org or call 863.648.1500.
United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) is proud to announce a significant state appropriation for the 2025–2026 fiscal year to support hunger relief and wellness initiatives in Hardee and Highlands counties. This funding will directly address food insecurity, improve health outcomes, and empower individuals and families living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold.
The initiative, titled “Thrive Together: End Hunger & Wellness Navigation,” will deploy Community Wellness Navigators, provide healthy food distributions and offer critical resources to underserved rural communities. With a total of $250,000 in nonrecurring state funds, the program will allow UWCF to expand its reach to underserved individuals, providing fresh produce, frozen meats, and shelf-stable goods to families in need.
This vital support was made possible through the advocacy and collaboration of local legislators. In February, United Way of Central Florida staff and board members met with lawmakers in Tallahassee to share the urgent needs of Central Florida communities and highlight critical funding gaps. Special thanks go to Senate President Ben Albritton and Senator Colleen Burton, and Representatives Jon Albert, Jennifer Canady, Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, Josie Tomkow, and Kaylee Tuck for championing this initiative and warmly welcoming our team during legislative visits.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our state leaders,” said Christina Criser Jackson, President & CEO of United Way of Central Florida. “This funding will not only provide food but also connect families to healthcare, education, housing, and other essential services that help them thrive.” The program will be implemented in partnership with local organizations. These partners will help distribute food and provide on-the-ground support to ensure the success of the initiative.
United Way of Central Florida serves Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties by strengthening community resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security—working toward a future where every person in Central Florida can reach their full potential.
About United Way of Central Florida
United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) works to improve lives and strengthen our community by identifying needs and delivering collaborative, local solutions. We serve Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties through trusted partnerships that address the most critical challenges.
Our mission is to inspire our community to give, advocate, and volunteer by mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change. From building resilience to expanding youth opportunity and financial security, UWCF is working toward a future where every person in our community can reach their full potential. We amplify donor dollars, improve efficiencies, and broker services that make the greatest impact. United Way believes no one can do their best if they are hungry, sick, or in pain. Learn more at uwcf.org or call 863.648.1500.