by Amanda Nethero
The Live Well Foundation of South Lake has awarded eight grants totaling $1,514,900 to strengthen access to nutritious food throughout South Lake County. The funding includes a three-year investment in Second Harvest Food Bank and seven direct awards supporting local food assistance programs.
“These grants address the practical needs behind food access, from purchasing groceries to maintaining reliable transportation and kitchen equipment,” said Linda Smith, Vice Chair of Live Well Foundation of South Lake. “Together, they help community organizations sustain their services and build capacity to reach more neighbors.”
The largest award, a three-year grant totaling $1,149,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank, will fund Together for South Lake: Feeding Neighbors Facing Hunger. Funding will be allocated entirely to food purchases for a network of more than 20 South Lake County community partners. The initiative will create cost savings that partners can redirect toward long-term capacity and requires a sustainability strategy for the end of the grant period.
The remaining $365,900 will support:
The Neighborhood Center of South Lake — $100,000. Purchase of a 26-foot refrigerated truck and necessary building climate-control repairs through its Family Stability Program.
South Lake Cares — $60,900. Expanded fresh food access for children, families and college students, including summer feeding and a planned Lake-Sumter State College pantry. Goals include approximately 64,000 meals and a pantry serving approximately 600 students.
Love Groveland Inc. — $75,000. A refrigerated food recovery truck to support a goal of increasing fresh, nutritious food access by 30% within 12 months.
Hands of Hope America, Inc. — $30,000. Continued operational support for services to South Lake County residents in the Four Corners region.
Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation — $35,000. Development of a Food Forest at its Water Well Way location, jointly operated with Waterwell Farms, to connect fresh food access with sustainable agriculture and community wellness.
Living Hope Church of Clermont — $35,000. Commercial kitchen equipment, specifically an electric steamer, for a meal program serving seniors, adults with developmental disabilities and children.
Word Keepers of Clermont FL Inc. — $30,000. Continued operational support for Well of Hope services to South Lake County residents in Four Corners.
The Neighborhood Center, South Lake Cares, Love Groveland, Hands of Hope America, Living Hope Church and Word Keepers will also benefit from the separate three-year Second Harvest initiative.
“Nutritious food is a foundation for health and well-being,” said Donna Kirtland, Executive Director of Live Well Foundation of South Lake. “By investing in both food and the systems that help it reach people, we are supporting immediate needs while helping local partners prepare for the future.”
About Live Well Foundation of South Lake
Established in 2019, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is a private 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to improving the health and wellness of South Lake County. The Foundation fulfills its mission through strategic grantmaking that supports sustainable, community-based initiatives focused on long-term impact.
Live Well Foundation of South Lake invests in solutions that strengthen individual and community well-being, guided by a commitment to measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship. Its work is grounded in a simple return on investment: better health, for life.
