The initiative, which began as a small-scale produce market during Nutrition Month, evolved into a weekly food pantry when hospital staff realized food insecurity was an ongoing issue.

Seven local residents without insurance received a wonderful holiday gift: a new knee or hip as part of BayCare’s participation in Operation Walk.

The issue of food insecurity remains prevalent in Pinellas County and will require collaboration, compassion and education to remove the stigma and find lasting solutions to this pervasive problem.