September 3, 2025

Wimauma Hosts Annual Family Health and Food Fest

News Summary

Wimauma, Florida, recently held the 17th Annual Family Health and Food Fest, featuring collaboration between USF nursing students and Wholesome Church. The event provided vital health screenings and resources to underserved communities, focusing on health improvement and food access. Volunteers distributed essential supplies and educated attendees on healthy living. The festival also highlighted ongoing health disparities and emphasized the importance of bridging gaps in healthcare access for marginalized populations.

Wimauma, Florida Hosts 17th Annual Family Health and Food Fest

Wimauma, Florida, was the site of the 17th Annual Family Health and Food Fest, where nursing students from the University of South Florida (USF) collaborated with members of Wholesome Church to provide essential health resources to the community. This year’s event focused on improving health and increasing food availability for vulnerable populations in the Tampa Bay area.

Volunteers gathered a variety of supplies, including food, toiletries, toys, and laminated health flyers, to distribute to attendees. Health screenings, including blood glucose tests, blood pressure checks, eye exams, and weigh-ins, were provided at the festival to help address immediate health needs within the community.

Senior nursing student Sharon Benitez highlighted the significance of such community events in raising awareness about the various health services available. Alongside educational materials on healthy lifestyle choices, attendees received wellness-related items, such as Frisbees and resistance bands, to encourage active living. The outreach initiative served not just as an event, but as a concerted effort to bring essential health services directly to those who may face barriers to access.

Carlos Irizarry, a registered nurse and pastor of Wholesome Church, explained that many patients struggle with issues such as transportation difficulties, language barriers, and limited healthcare benefits. These challenges often lead to disparities in health outcomes, particularly among low-income and racial or ethnic minority groups.

As part of the Health People 2030 initiative, which aims to enhance health outcomes nationally, the festival placed a strong emphasis on addressing Social Determinants of Health (SODH) by connecting families to necessary resources. Economic factors were also examined as contributors to limited access to nutritious food. Many families in attendance noted that financial constraints restricted their ability to purchase healthier food options, leading to poor dietary habits among adults and children alike.

Nursing students Michael Canizares and others provided hands-on assistance during the health screenings, offering interpretation services and explaining the results to participants in their preferred languages. This not only enhanced the experience for attendees but also allowed the student volunteers to gain valuable practical experience while simultaneously understanding the healthcare needs within their community.

Throughout the event, it became evident that a lack of time and resources often exacerbated health problems. Several attendees reported conditions such as hyperglycemia, which stemmed from dietary challenges linked to their socioeconomic status. The festival served as a crucial touchpoint for the community, addressing these health issues while providing an opportunity for education regarding preventative measures and healthy lifestyle choices.

The collaboration between USF nursing students and Wholesome Church illustrated a steadfast commitment among educators and community leaders to improve healthcare access and outcomes, particularly for marginalized populations. Ongoing advocacy efforts were discussed as central to tackling the underlying issues contributing to health disparities within the area.

The Family Health and Food Fest continues to be a vital resource for the Wimauma community, gathering support from local organizations and fostering an environment where health and nutrition are prioritized. With annual events like this, there is hope for continued progress in bridging the gap in healthcare access and building a healthier future for all community members.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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