Lipman Family Farms Commits $2M To Build New Hunger Relief Center in Fort Myers

Lipman Family Farms gave $2 million to construct a new space for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers. Workers broke ground in November. The project will wrap up by late 2026.

This building will grow what the food bank can do. It'll allow staff to sort, pack, and send out more meals to struggling families across the area. More volunteers will have room to work, too, which means faster service when people need it most.

The farm has roots in Immokalee stretching back over 75 years. For decades, they've teamed up with the food bank to get fresh vegetables and fruits to hungry neighbors.

"Hunger relief is a core pillar that gives meaning to our Good From The Ground Up promise," said Jaime Weisinger, director of community and government relations for Lipman Family Farms, according to Fresh Plaza. "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."

Each month, the food bank feeds over 250,000 people throughout Southwest Florida. 

"Lipman Farms is a Southwest Florida institution and a long-time partner of ours. We are proud to put its name on our new Volunteers Center, and so grateful for this landmark gift, which brings our dreams of a Hunger Action Center closer to reality," said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Every year, the company gives away more than a million pounds of produce across the country. Workers pitch in at food banks, pack holiday dinners, and show up for distributions during the annual "Day of Good" service event.

This donation adds another chapter to a long history of generosity that's helped define the farm's presence here. Previous gifts paid for student scholarships and helped construct the RCMA building nearby.