LEXINGTON, MO. – (January 26, 2026) – Lafayette Regional Health Center, part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, presented a $10,000 grant to the Lexington Food Pantry following its participation in HCA Healthcare’s annual Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrows Food and Nutrition Drive. As part of the national initiative, Lafayette Regional Health Center hosted a hospital-wide food drive in late 2025. Earlier this month, hospital leaders learned the facility was again selected to receive a $10,000 grant – marking the third consecutive year the hospital has earned this recognition.

In 2021, the HCA Healthcare Foundation announced the Healthier Tomorrow Fund, an $80 million community impact fund designed to expand the foundation’s work beyond Middle Tennessee to support community partners in areas where HCA Healthcare, the parent company of HCA Midwest Health, has a presence – including the Kansas City region.

“This recognition reflects the heart of our colleagues and their deep commitment to caring for our community,” said Darrel Box, CEO of Lafayette Regional Health Center. “By coming together around something as fundamental as access to nutritious food, our team is helping strengthen the health and well-being of families across Lafayette County. We are proud to direct this support to the Lexington Food Pantry and the essential work they do every day.”

The 501(c) (3) nonprofit Lexington Food Pantry has been serving families in Lexington since 1990. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the food pantry accepts donations of non-perishable food and monetary donations.

“Receiving this grant again was a welcome and meaningful surprise, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support,” said Lexington Food Pantry Director Holly Scott. “The additional resources allow the Lexington Food Pantry to provide eggs, milk, butter, and more to families during the winter months – items that are often difficult for us to offer because of limited resources. With ongoing federal program cuts, rising costs, and continued shortages – especially in meat, as the price of ground beef has skyrocketed – many families are feeling worried and uncertain. We are thankful to HCA and Lafayette Regional Health Center for their generosity and partnership, which help ensure our food pantry is prepared for the future, no matter what it brings.”

Since its inception more than 25 years ago, the HCA Healthcare Foundation has contributed more than $300 million in grants and matching gifts to over 14,000 agencies and organizations nationwide, supporting initiatives that advance health, education, and quality of life.

According to the most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report, 13.7% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024,underscoring a continued national need for access to nutritious food. While 2025 data are not yet available, local organizations continue to see sustained demand across Lafayette County.

The Lexington Food Pantry serves approximately 50 families each month. Additional programs, including Harvesters Community Food Network food drops, homebound deliveries, and the USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program, support it.