In 1944, the Winn-Dixie Foundation was created to assist local non-profit organizations. The Foundation has supported many deserving groups during the past 60 years, with grants to local non-profit organizations in those areas which focus on hunger, women and children, health and education initiatives. For information on the Winn-Dixie Foundation’s guidelines and procedures, please click here.

In 1984, Winn-Dixie and the American Cancer Society (ACS) teamed up to create Hope Lodge, a special "home away from home" lodge for cancer patients and their families traveling away from home during outpatient treatments. From this original concept, three such Hope Lodges have been built where patients and family members may stay at no cost in a nurturing home-like residential environment. The first ACS/Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge opened its doors near Shands Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida, in June 1986. ACS/Winn-Dixie Hope Lodges opened in Miami in 1992 and in Atlanta in 1998.

The story of the Hope Lodges is a story of volunteers working together to achieve a wonderful goal. When the ACS approached Winn-Dixie to fund the idea, we went to our associates and pledged that the Winn-Dixie Stores Foundation would match their contributions dollar for dollar. Our associates came through, and the result is a special place where patients and their families can relax on their own or share their experiences with other patients and their families instead of checking into a lonely hotel room.

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan recognized the Hope Lodge program by awarding Winn-Dixie and our associates the Presidential Award for Private Sector Initiatives.

Each ACS/Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge is located near a cancer outpatient treatment facility. Patients and their families are admitted at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis according to the treatment start date. A patient may bring one family member or friend, and children may bring two adults. All ages are welcome. Each Hope Lodge has individual suites, plus communal areas including a dining and kitchen area. Volunteers provide many Hope Lodge services to assist the resident manager and assistants on staff. Operating costs are paid from contributions to the ACS or to the individual facility.

For information on how to apply for admission and other Hope Lodge policies, please contact your local ACS chapter.

For several years, the Winn-Dixie Foundation has underwritten the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Breast Health Advocate program. The Breast Health Advocate provides support and advice to women on the First Coast who have been diagnosed with breast cancer at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. The Advocate is able to help women navigate the difficult journey of a breast cancer diagnosis. She provides educational and technical support but more importantly, she is always available to support women with emotional or psychosocial needs.