FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 13, 2013) – John Clinger, senior vice president of wealth management at Merrill Lynch, Bank of America Corporation, and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation presented Community Cooperative Ministries, Inc. with a $7,500 grant for the agency’s efforts in fighting local hunger and homelessness.

In support of increasing access to fresh food and produce to low-income individuals and families, the grant will be used to purchase fresh food for CCMI’s Meals on Wheels program, Everyday Cafés and Marketplaces and Mobile Pantries as well as the Bonita School Pantry.

“We are so appreciative for Bank of America’s generosity and support in our local community,” said Tracey Galloway, CEO of CCMI. “This grant will help us in providing the freshest food possible to our hungry residents, particularly during the busy holiday season.”

CCMI is an innovative nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization made up of social service entrepreneurs fighting to end homelessness and hunger in our community. The agency provides more than 15,000 meals each month through its Everyday Cafés and Marketplaces and Meals on Wheels programs. CCMI also offers homeless and comprehensive life coaching services through its United Way Resource Houses, oversees an emergency mobile food pantry and supplies school pantries and weekend backpacks full of food to more than 1,500 children and their families each school year.

CCMI serves Fort Myers and the greater Lee County area, including Bonita Springs, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres. CCMI works in partnership with United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades, Harry Chapin Food Bank and various community foundations as well as collaborating with fellow community and service groups including The School District of Lee County and numerous churches, businesses and community-support organizations.

For more information, call 239-332-7687 or visit www.ccmileecounty.com.