Lexington, MO. – (Dec. 30, 2024) – Lafayette Regional Health Center – as a part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider – presented a $10,000 grant to the Lexington Food Pantry as a result of its participation in HCA Healthcare’s annual Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrows Food and Nutrition Drive. Lafayette Regional Health Center hosted a hospital-wide food drive as part of the national competition. CEO Darrell Box received word earlier this month that the hospital was again awarded a $10,000 grant.

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

“The Healthy Foods for Healthier Tomorrows initiative aligns with our overall mission and shows how our colleagues’ commitment to the care and improvement of human life extends beyond the walls of our hospital,” said Box. “Food insecurity has far-reaching implications, including chronic health issues. We are excited to support a healthy community in such an impactful way by donating the grant to the Lexington Food Pantry, which works with hundreds of families in the area.” 

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

“The additional resources allow the Lexington Food Pantry to provide eggs, milk, butter, and more to families during the winter months,” said Lexington Food Pantry Director Holly Scott. “These items are usually not available because of the lack of resources. We are so grateful for the generosity of HCA and Lafayette Regional Health Center in helping fight food scarcity in our community.”

Since its inception more than 25 years ago, the HCA Healthcare Foundation has contributed over $300 million in grants and matching gifts to more than 14,000 agencies and organizations nationwide, focusing on those that promote health and well-being, education, and quality of life. According to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report, food-insecure households continued to rise in 2023, up to 13.5%. The food insecurity rate in Lafayette County is 13.5%, equating to over 4,000 food insecure individuals.