Winn-Dixie and THE PLAYERS Championship team up to provide Tom Coughlin Jay Fund families with surprise grocery store shopping spree.
Ten Tom Coughlin Jay Fund families tackling childhood cancer were surprised with a grocery store shopping spree on Monday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m. at the College Park Winn-Dixie, located at 999 University Blvd. N. in Jacksonville.
Local families had the chance to fill up two carts with any groceries they need. Winn-Dixie and the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation along with THE PLAYERS Championship covered the costs of groceries for the 10 families. THE PLAYERS also provided Winn-Dixie gift cards to other local Jay Fund families who aren’t able to attend so they can stock their pantries.
A childhood cancer diagnosis affects the entire family. While trying to sort through the unthinkable emotional impact, families also must deal with the financial implications. The bills don’t come all at once, but when they arrive, they pile up.
- Studies have shown that food insecurity affects a significant portion of families with pediatric cancer patients. For instance, a 2023 study in Oncology Times analyzing families who have children with leukemia found that 21% experienced food insecurity, which increased to 25% six months into treatment.
- 72% of Jay Fund families surveyed said they had to take unpaid leave from their job to care for their sick child. This significantly diminishes their household income.
- 24% of Jay Fund families surveyed said their non-medical expenses increased by $500 a month as a result of their child’s cancer diagnosis. For example, food costs may increase because more nutritious foods, such as organic food and high-calorie nutritious shakes, are often encouraged for cancer patients, but these foods can add to a family’s grocery expenses.
- 32% of Jay Fund families in Jacksonville who have applied for financial support said they were concerned about running out of food before getting enough money to buy more.
- The event is about giving these families peace of mind. They can fill up their fridge and pantry and not have to worry about the grocery bill.
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About the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation provides comprehensive financial, emotional and practical support to help keep families in their homes, put food on their tables, keep the lights on, and so much more when a family is tackling childhood cancer. The Jay Fund, the nonprofit organization founded by Super Bowl winning coach Tom Coughlin, was established in 1996 in the memory and spirit of the late Boston College football player, Jay McGillis, who passed away from leukemia. From diagnosis to recovery and beyond, the Jay Fund is part of the team, allowing parents and caregivers to focus solely on their child’s well-being. The mission is to BE THERE for families facing the unthinkable so they can BE THERE for the patient. To date, the foundation has provided over $34 million in assistance and helped over 6,700 families.