$3 Million Gift from Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation Powers Innovation and Community Resilience on the Treasure Coast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

$3 Million Gift from Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation Powers Innovation and Community Resilience on the Treasure Coast

Grant will help fund a new 132,000 square foot operations center expanding food access and strengthening community resilience.

FORT PIERCE, Fla. – June 27, 2025 – Treasure Coast Food Bank is proud to announce a transformative $3 million gift from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, led by philanthropist and New York Mets Owner Alex Cohen, in support of its Feed Unite Flourish Capital Campaign. This significant grant will provide pivotal funding for the Food Bank’s new 132,000-square-foot Operations Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to expand food access, improve health outcomes, and build long-term resilience across the Treasure Coast.

The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation’s support marks a major milestone in the campaign and reflects a vision of a healthier, hunger-free future for the region. The Amazin’ Mets Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets and their affiliate team the St. Lucie Mets, has supported Treasure Coast Food Bank since 2021, when Alex Cohen created the Foundation after purchasing the team.

“Access to healthy, fresh food is essential for a thriving life and better health outcomes,” said Alex Cohen, philanthropist and owner of the New York Mets. “We are proud to support Treasure Coast Food Bank and our neighbors near Port St. Lucie.”

“We are profoundly grateful for this incredible gift from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation,” said Judith Cruz, President and CEO of Treasure Coast Food Bank. “This is more than a financial contribution—it’s a catalyst for innovation providing a ripple effect across our programs, operations, and community partnerships. With their support, we are building a stronger, more resilient Treasure Coast.

A Center for Innovation, Education and Opportunity

The new Operations Center will bring all Food Bank operations under one hurricane-hardened roof and will serve as a Community Solutions Hub for the region. Powered in part by the Foundation’s investment, the facility will:

• Increase daily and emergency meal production to meet growing needs.
• Expand job training and workforce programs that support economic mobility.
• Deliver comprehensive nutrition education for long-term health.
• Strengthen partnerships with over 300 agency collaborators to foster collective impact.

With a projected 76% increase in food distribution capacity, the facility is designed not only to meet today’s needs but will be prepared to stand strong for the future needs of the community.

Building a Lasting Legacy

Slated for completion in Summer 2025, the new facility is a long-term investment in the health and stability of the Treasure Coast. More than a building, it represents a bold commitment to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and create lasting change.

“This transformative gift is an investment in people and possibility,” added Cruz. “With the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation’s support, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”

To learn more about the work taking place and make a gift in support, visit https://stophunger.org/ways-to-give/feed-unite-flourish-capital-campaign-tcfb/.

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ABOUT TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK

Treasure Coast Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization on Florida’s Treasure Coast, providing the community each year with millions of meals valued at more than $50 million through robust programs and in partnership with 300 charitable organizations in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties. In addition to emergency food distribution, Treasure Coast Food Bank operates a full roster of direct service programs that not only solve the immediate problem of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long-term food security, better health outcomes, and self-sufficiency. Treasure Coast Food Bank is a Partner Food Bank of Feeding America, the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. For more information on Treasure Coast Food Bank, stophunger.org/ or follow us @TCFoodbank on Facebook  or Twitter.