Community Blog
Posted by The MolinaCares Accord

Molina Healthcare of Florida Delivers Hope and Help to Floridians 

Through challenging economic times and hurricane devastation, Molina Healthcare of Florida supported its members and the communities it serves throughout 2022. From distributing food and diapers to delivering school supplies, Molina helped Floridians meet their basic needs inside and outside the home.  

Molina employees were quick to help their neighbors recover in the wake of Hurricane Ian, while The MolinaCares Accord provided financial support to help Floridians get back on their feet.  

Molina team members also helped Floridians celebrate the holidays by handing out food and toys to community members.  

 Below are just some of the ways Molina Healthcare of Florida extended a helping hand in 2022. 

Food and Basic Needs

Pop Up Pantry in St. Petersburg 

The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Florida, presented a check for $30,000 to Reach St. Pete for its “Pop Up Pantry” which is servicing food deserts in Pinellas County. The donation equipped the organization’s repurposed bus with commercial refrigerators, freezers and stocked shelves, as well as a branded graphic wrap for the exterior. Learn more here.  

Diaper Distribution in Miami  

Molina Healthcare of Florida, in partnership with the Miami Diaper Bank, distributed thousands of diapers to families in need at a drive-thru event. The second annual All for Moms Drive-thru Diaper Distribution provided new moms with diapers, as well as bottles, hats, bibs, and health information. 

Farm Share Food Distribution in Homestead  

Molina partnered with Farm Share, a nonprofit food bank, to hold a drive-thru event for families in Homestead. Over 50 Molina employee volunteers packed bags with fresh produce, a protein, desserts, bread and more, and then distributed them to participants. The event distributed 38,628 pounds of food to 466 cars, supporting food security for 922 families. You can watch a video recap of the event at the link here

Thanksgiving Meals in Florida City  

On Thanksgiving Day, MolinaCares volunteers helped prepare Thanksgiving meals for 5,000 people in the Florida City community. Once the food was prepared, an assembly line of volunteers sorted the food into trays, packed them in to-go containers, and sent them off for delivery to homes across the local community. Learn more about Molina’s efforts to give back over the holidays here

Disaster Recovery

Financial Support for Community Organizations  

The MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Florida, donated $300,000 to the Florida Disaster Fund, Farm Share, Harry Chapin Food Bank, and Latino Leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian’s devastating impact on Florida communities. 

  • The Florida Disaster Fund, activated by First Lady Casey DeSantis, is Florida’s official private fund established to assist communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. 
  • Farm Share is Florida’s largest independent food bank and has been serving the state’s food insecure communities for over 30 years. 
  • Harry Chapin Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief nonprofit and the only Feeding America member in Southwest Florida, serving Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties. 
  • Latino Leadership is dedicated to the advancement of Florida’s Latino community through resources designed to improve their quality of life. 

Learn more about this donation here

On-the-ground Support 

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Molina employees worked with local community-based organizations to distribute necessities like food, water, diapers, wipes and more. Learn more about Molina’s work in the community to help hurricane victims get back on their feet here

Mental Health  

Out of Darkness Walk in Miami  

Molina Healthcare of Florida participated in the Miami Out of the Darkness Walk in partnership with The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Held nationwide, the purpose of each walk is to give participants the courage to open up about their own connection to suicide and mental illness

NAMI Walk in Jacksonville  

Molina Healthcare of Florida partnered with the Jacksonville chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to sponsor its Third Annual NAMIWalks Your Way Jacksonville event. The community Wellness Fair kicked off with a walk and highlighted health and mental health resources available to the community, with the goal of reducing the stigma around seeking mental health help.  

MolinaCares Youth Festival in Orlando 

The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, in conjunction with Molina Healthcare of Florida and in partnership with the Federation of Families of Central Florida, welcomed families to the MolinaCares Youth Festival at Cypress Grove Park in Orlando. The event focused on supporting the growing number of young people and families affected by mental illness. 

Through a $15,000 grant from the Foundation, the Federation of Families of Central Florida hosts monthly group meeting for teens and young adults centered on improving mental health. In the meetings, participants engage in activities and listen to speakers, while being encouraged to find creative outlets as part of the healing process. Learn more here

Celebrating the Community 

Hispanic Heritage Month in Miami 

Molina and the Hispanic Coalition hosted a drive-through food distribution event that supported 500 local families. Volunteers distributed boxes of fresh produce and pantry staples like corn, bread, rice, fresh vegetables, pasta, canned goods, and cereal provided by Farm Share. 

Molina also joined Calle Ocho News for its Celebrating Milestones festivities at The Havana Collection. The event took place in Little Havana’s colorful Rooster Alley where Hispanic artists, bands, and dancers showcased the area’s diverse culture. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Hispanic Cultural Arts Center. Learn more about the event here

Happiness for the Holidays  

Molina and partner Young Dreams Community Outreach volunteered at PPEC Glory to God medical daycare center in Miami to provide toys for children in need. Santa Claus made a special appearance to help hand out over 100 toys. The partners also donated toys to Nickolas Children’s Hospital for inpatient children. Learn more about Molina’s efforts to give back over the holidays here

Back to School

Supplies Giveaway in Miami 

Molina Healthcare of Florida helped set the stage for students to return to the classroom. In July, Molina sponsored a back-to-school giveaway in partnership with Young Dreams Community Outreach in Miami. One hundred children took home new Nike sneakers and bookbags full of reading materials and school supplies.  

Beautification Project in Lakeview 

In August, Molina employees volunteered for a beautification project at Branches in Lakeview. Participants laid mulch, planted flowers, trimmed trees and cleaned up the grounds. Volunteers also painted classrooms. Branches offers educational opportunities that address the root causes of poverty as well as how to meet the immediate needs of at-risk populations.