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FLIPANY (Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth) was founded in 2005 by Lynne Kunins, who was inspired to create the organization after the loss of funding for an Open Gym program supporting children of incarcerated parents. Determined to continue serving children and families in need, Lynne launched FLIPANY with a mission to transform lives through health, nutrition, and physical activity.
In its early years, FLIPANY quickly established itself as a leader in health and wellness education. By 2006, the organization had partnered with Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry as Florida’s Lead Partner for the Cooking Matters° program, empowering families with critical food skills and nutrition education. That same year, FLIPANY launched its first 5K Fun Run/Walk and running clinics to promote active lifestyles, laying the foundation for its three-part signature programming start with whole foods participate in fun physical activities and learn about nutrition by preparing healthy meals.
Over the next decade, FLIPANY expanded its programming, introducing initiatives like Soccer for Success, Earn-a-Bike, and the Annual Spring Break Adventure Mountain Bike Camp, which paired physical activity with mentorship. The organization also launched Worksite Wellness programs, supporting adults with culturally adapted health and wellness initiatives.
By 2016, FLIPANY sharpened its focus on food access, becoming a Tier III Food Sponsor for the federal Child Nutrition Program. This pivotal shift allowed FLIPANY to support hundreds of afterschool programs with consistent, high-quality meals while providing technical assistance to streamline program delivery. This growth pushed FLIPANY’s operating budget to over $4 million and solidified its reputation as a leader in addressing food insecurity.
When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, FLIPANY quickly pivoted, redesigning its Food Sponsorship program within three days to become South Florida’s leading Emergency Food Assistance Provider. The organization distributed thousands of meals to families across the Tri-County area, demonstrating its resilience and deep community connections during a time of crisis.
From 2021 to 2024, FLIPANY entered a transformative period of innovation and expansion. In 2021, its Youth Engagement in Sports initiative, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, was renewed, affirming its success in creating positive, active experiences for youth. The momentum continued in 2022, when FLIPANY received USDA Farm to School and Urban Agriculture Innovation grants, introducing hands-on agricultural education and nutrition-focused learning in schools, fostering healthier habits, and strengthening community ties.
In 2023, FLIPANY launched several impactful initiatives. A USDA Community Food Project grant targeted food insecurity in Palm Beach County and The Glades, creating sustainable solutions and vital food system linkages. That same year, FLIPANY introduced the Healthy Seniors program in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County, providing over 75,000 congregate meals annually alongside nutrition education for low-income seniors. Simultaneously, the Mobile Summer BreakSpot program achieved record-breaking success, delivering over 81,000 meals to children during the summer months, bridging critical nutrition gaps when school was out of session. To combat food insecurity further, FLIPANY partnered with community organizations to launch the Free Neighborhood Market Pantry initiative . This program distributed over 275,000 pounds of nutritious food across four community locations, serving as a critical resource for families in need.
In 2024, FLIPANY launched the AmeriCorps Healthy Futures program funded through a grant awarded by Volunteer Florida, marking another milestone in the organization’s growth. This program brought 33 AmeriCorps members to FLIPANY, significantly expanding its capacity to deliver services and reach more underserved communities. These members now play a vital role in implementing programs, supporting youth mentorship initiatives, and enhancing food security efforts, enabling FLIPANY to amplify its mission of equitable health and wellness across South Florida.
By the end of 2024, FLIPANY’s impact metrics highlighted its extraordinary growth. The organization served over 2 million meals annually to youth and seniors, engaged more than 4,000 youth through nutrition education and mentored physical activity programs. In all, more than 40,000 members of South Florida Communities were touched by FLIPANY’s services and outreach and the organization leveraged over $ 5 million in state and federal funding to address health and wellness in South Florida. As an award-winning Tier III unaffiliated food sponsor, FLIPANY supported 98% of all sites in South Florida and 73% of all sites statewide, solidifying its position as the largest unaffiliated food sponsor in Florida.
As FLIPANY looks to the future, its commitment to serving more neighborhoods and participants remains steadfast. With innovative programs, a dedicated team, and impactful partnerships, FLIPANY is building healthier, brighter futures for all. The work will not stop until everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life, no matter where they live.
