World Food Day

World Food Day, held on Thursday, October 16, is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about hunger, food insecurity, and the importance of building sustainable food systems.

It’s a time to reflect on the challenges many face in accessing nutritious food and to support efforts that promote health equity and community well-being. 

This year’s World Food Day theme, “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind,” highlights the essential role of water in growing nutritious food and sustaining healthy communities. In addition, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is celebrating its 80th anniversary. 

Our HealthStreet Needs Assessment data found that among the nearly 14,000 people who answered the question, that 47% reported a history of food insecurity, which is higher than the 39% reported across the United States. Men and women aged 45 to 64 years of age have the highest prevalence of food insecurity at 57% and 56% respectively. Similarly, there were few differences between men and women in the other age categories.

UF HealthStreet partners with Feeding Northeast Florida to enhance H.O.P.E. Food Pantry offerings

This fall, UF HealthStreet’s Helping Other People Eat (H.O.P.E.) Food Pantry began offering a greater supply of high-quality, nutritious food thanks to a new partnership with Feeding Northeast Florida.  

The H.O.P.E Food Pantry, established in June 2024, has served 7,045 households and distributed 36.39 tons of food to UF HealthStreet community members since its inception. The new opportunity to expand the food pantry’s nutritional offerings through this partnership will help ensure that community members have access to healthier food items to alleviate hunger.  

Additionally, the H.O.P.E. Food Pantry at UF HealthStreet is now the only clinic site in Gainesville with a “Healthy Pantry” designation.

Help us grow the impact of the H.O.P.E. Food Pantry. Your support—whether through donations or partnerships—directly enhances our ability to provide healthier food options and fight hunger in our community. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community.

Sample the Season at UF HealthStreet

This October, UF HealthStreet is teaming up with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), the academic arm of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), to host “Sample the Season” cooking demos throughout October.

The series of cooking demos held at HealthStreet on Mondays throughout the month will go from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The events feature an array of dishes using fall produce as the star ingredient. So far the cooking demos have prepared dishes such as pumpkin oatmeal and chickpea broccoli salad. There are two more events left this month so be sure to come visit UF HealthStreet and participate in this limited time event.

Cooking Demo Schedule

• Monday, October 20, 2025 | Sweet Potato Hash
• Monday, October 27, 2025 | Stovetop Apples with Greek Yogurt

Spicy Stuffed Potatoes

Spice up your side dish game with this bold and budget-friendly spicy stuffed potatoes recipe. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner, this recipe brings the heat without the hassle.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes (red, white, yellow, or sweet)
• 1 cup black beans. drained and rinsed
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Optional: chili powder, diced green chilies, sliced jalapenos, sour cream
  

1. Preheat oven to 425° Fahrenheit.
2. Scrub potatoes with a vegetable brush. Poke small holes in the skin with a fork.
3. Bake in the oven for 60-75 minutes or microwave according to the instructions for Microwave Baked Potato. Potatoes will be tender throughout when done.
4. In a microwave safe dish, stir together black beans, salsa, and corn. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Cut potatoes in half. Spoon bean mixture over the top of each potato.
6. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese over each potato.
7. Top potatoes with optional ingredients.
   

NARCAN® Saves Lives

Narcan Nasal Spray may counteract the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Since most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, it was developed for family, friends, and caregivers - with no medical training required.

HealthStreet has distributed 4,344 NARCAN® kits—8,680 total units—spanning June 1, 2024, to October 15, 2025.

HealthStreet has partnered with Florida Department of Children and Families to distribute NARCAN® in our community. Call 352-294-4880 today to get your own NARCAN® Nasal Spray at no charge to you.

Consider Donating to HealthStreet

Together, we can make a difference!

Your donation will directly support essential services and truly make a difference in our community. Every dollar you contribute helps us take steps towards reducing disparities that affect so many.

Just imagine the impact of your generosity: for $25, you can provide 15 personal care items, ensuring dignity and basic hygiene for those in need. With $50, we can purchase 16 daily bus passes to RTS, giving individuals reliable transportation to access vital jobs, healthcare, and services. And with $100, we can fuel the vehicles that our Community Health Workers use with 32 gallons of gasoline, enabling them to reach those in need and provide critical referrals and support.

We are also asking for direct donations of personal care items such as: shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, body wash, shaving kits & cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorant, floss, pads, tampons, disposable wipes, hairbrushes and diapers.

Another way that you can make an impact in our community is by donating to the HealthStreet Clothing Closet! There is an ongoing need of the following items: men's clothing, women's clothing, children's clothing, baby clothing.

Clothing and personal care items can be directly donated at our HealthStreet location anytime between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, so we can place these items into the hands of those who need them.

Let’s join forces and create an extraordinary impact together!

Thank you for your kindness!