Long-standing partnership supports nutrition security wing of new warehouse | Jacksonville, Fla. –– July 10, 2025 –– Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) today announced a $1 million gift from THE PLAYERS Championship, supporting the recently launched THE PLAYERS Center for Nutrition Security and Community Solutions, which was named in recognition of the gift.
The center’s dedication took place yesterday afternoon at the food bank’s headquarters, where representatives from THE PLAYERS, including Executive Director Lee Smith, and volunteer leadership from THE PLAYERS, joined FNEFL staff, volunteers and friends to celebrate the momentous commitment to the food bank’s mission of ending hunger in Northeast Florida. The event concluded with a volunteer opportunity where representatives sorted non-perishable goods in the warehouse for distribution.
This significant gift builds on a longstanding philanthropic partnership between the organizations and will support ongoing nutrition and advocacy efforts.
“Our ongoing partnership with THE PLAYERS Championship embodies the spirit of community and underscores the transformative power of partnership,” said Susan King, President & CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida. “Both the PGA Tour and THE PLAYERS have been instrumental in advancing the mission of Feeding Northeast Florida for nearly a decade. These organizations embody a profound commitment to giving back. Together, we are making a difference for those who struggle with food insecurity: building a stronger, more compassionate community for all.”
Feeding Northeast Florida is the region’s largest nonprofit food bank and hunger relief network. Alongside its network of 500+ food distribution and agency partners, FNEFL provides food and hope to help the more than 310,000 individuals living in a 12-county service area who struggle to feed themselves and their families.
With support from the PGA TOUR and THE PLAYERS, more than 6.3 million meals have provided vital support to those facing hunger in our community. Their volunteers have also helped provide an additional 80,200 meals, and THE PLAYERS’ contributions have further supported these efforts by funding over 150,000 meals and donating food equivalent to 68,670 meals. Together, these combined efforts have made a meaningful impact in addressing food insecurity and supporting families across Northeast Florida.
“We’re thankful to our fans, partners and all members of the Northeast Florida community whose support makes this gift possible,” said Lee Smith, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship. “As a community event, we’re proud to give back where it’s needed most and support organizations like Feeding Northeast Florida. This gift reflects our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community we call home.”
Philanthropic partnerships power the food bank’s fight against hunger across 12 Northeast and North Central Florida counties. For more details, to volunteer or to give, visit feedingnefl.org.
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About Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL):
Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) is the region’s largest nonprofit (501c3) food bank and hunger relief network. FNEFL provides nutritious foods and other essential goods to those in need and strives to improve the quality of life for people living in and around Northeast and North Central Florida by addressing food insecurity, poverty and poor health. Alongside our network of food distribution, agency and community partners, the Food Bank provides food resources and hope to help all people living in our 12-county service area (Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Levy, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union) who struggle to feed themselves and their families. Feeding Northeast Florida works daily to find solutions to address the issues of food insecurity and poverty through awareness, advocacy, education, and action in ways that promote dignity, respect and empowerment. For more information, visit feedingnefl.org.
About THE PLAYERS Championship
THE PLAYERS Championship annually combines the strongest field in golf with the world-class venue that is THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Optum®, Morgan Stanley and Comcast Business are the exclusive Proud Partners of THE PLAYERS. Proceeds from THE PLAYERS benefit Northeast Florida charities and have totaled more than $120 million since it began in 1974 and moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977. For more on THE PLAYERS, visit THEPLAYERS.com. For more on the surrounding areas, visit floridashistoriccoast.com or visitjacksonville.com.
