Danica Zamarripa, a registered nurse for Treasure Coast Health in Fellsmere, Fla., distributes emergency food boxes and donated stuffed animals from Publix, to drivers May 7, 2020. The partnership between TCCH and Treasure Coast Food Bank expanded on Thursday to help not only patients, but also the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Kaila Jones/ 32963]

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Healthcare workers provided boxed food for residents who lost jobs or had pay cuts because of business closings caused by the coronavirus.

Organizers with Treasure Coast Community Health distributed the emergency food boxes from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday inside the Publix plaza at 13505 U.S. 1, Sebastian, near Roseland Road. A second distribution took place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 12196 County Road 512 in Fellsmere.

“Food is always a big issue. There’s more of a need since people have lost jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Community Relations and Outreach Director Colette Heid said. “Food and healthcare is a basic need. We’re trying to fill that gap so they can get through this horrible scenario.”

Treasure Coast Community Health gives out free boxed food to residents in Sebastian and Fellsmere. The event aims to help those who lost jobs or had paycuts because of business closings caused by the #coronavirus. #VeroNews pic.twitter.com/cd7PqZPFYH

— Nicholas Samuel (@JournalistNickS) May 7, 2020

Healthcare workers held up signs at the Sebastian location, directing motorists to the drive-thru food giveaway. The boxes had non-perishable food items that can feed a person for seven days.

“There’s a lot of people hurting and in need,” said Steve Hellyer, behavioral health administrator and safety officer for the health center.

The food box giveaway is made possible through a partnership between Treasure Coast Community Health and Treasure Coast Food Bank. Even though health officials have previously given out food to its patients in need the past several weeks, Thursday’s event was for the public.

This means anyone was able to come and grab a free food box.

“This event was open to the public, not just patients,” Heid said.

Healthcare workers wore protective masks and gloves while handing out food boxes to residents. Some of the food items include tuna, rotini pasta, cans of chili, apple sauce, cereal, crackers and granola bars.

The event drew people from a wide range of ages. Several residents also wore masks as they were greeted by the healthcare workers.

Heid said the health center gave out 300 boxes at each location.

“Our goal was to give away everything,” Heid said. “We’re hoping we’ll be able to continue this (in the future).”

Fellsmere police assisted at the food giveaway event. Police Chief Keith Touchberry said it’s crucial for officers to support local efforts to help residents impacted by the coronavirus public health crisis.

“That makes us feel very supported,” Heid said.

Treasure Coast Community Health first began in Fellsmere nearly 27 years ago, Heid said. The center started off with two employees – a doctor and a nurse both providing health care.

Overtime, the organization expanded to nine centers and more than 200 employees in Indian River County, Heid said. There are no Treasure Coast Community Health centers in Martin or St. Lucie counties.

“Last year, we served more than 25,000 people with health and dental services,” Heid said. “Our mission is to provide care.”

Photos by Kaila Jones and Nick Samuel

: Rebecca Garcia, office manager for Treasure Coast Community Health in Fellsmere, Fla., waves to drivers on C.R. 512 to receive emergency food assistance boxes May 7, 2020. The partnership between TCCH and Treasure Coast Food Bank expanded on Thursday to help not only patients, but also the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Kaila Jones/ 32963]

: A driver stops to grab an emergency food box at Treasure Coast Community Health in Fellsmere, Fla., May 7, 2020. The partnership between TCCH and Treasure Coast Food Bank expanded on Thursday to help not only patients, but also the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Kaila Jones/ 32963]

: Rebecca Garcia, office manager for Treasure Coast Community Health in Fellsmere, Fla., directs drivers receiving food assistance boxes May 7, 2020. The partnership between TCCH and Treasure Coast Food Bank expanded on Thursday to help not only patients, but also the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Kaila Jones/ 32963]

: Kim Platt, a dental manager for Treasure Coast Community Health in Fellsmere, Fla., directs drivers receiving food assistance boxes May 7, 2020. The partnership between TCCH and Treasure Coast Food Bank expanded on Thursday to help not only patients, but also the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Kaila Jones/ 32963]

: Franny Watford, left, a registered nurse for Treasure Coast Health in Fellsmere, Fla., distributes emergency food boxes and donated stuffed animals from Publix, to drivers May 7, 2020. The partnership between TCCH and Treasure Coast Food Bank expanded on Thursday to help not only patients, but also the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Kaila Jones/ 32963]

: Dennis Bartholomew, director of business development for Treasure Coast Health and Franny Watford distributes emergency food boxes to drivers May 7, 2020. The partnership between TCCH and Treasure Coast Food Bank expanded on Thursday to help not only patients, but also the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Kaila Jones/ 32963]

: Danica Zamarripa, a registered nurse for Treasure Coast Health in Fellsmere, Fla., distributes emergency food boxes and donated stuffed animals from Publix, to drivers May 7, 2020. The partnership between TCCH and Treasure Coast Food Bank expanded on Thursday to help not only patients, but also the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Kaila Jones/ 32963]

: The partnership between TCCH and Treasure Coast Food Bank expanded on Thursday to help not only patients, but also the community during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating emergency food boxes to drivers. [Kaila Jones/ 32963]

: Franny Watford and Danica Zamarripa, nurses for Treasure Coast Health in Fellsmere, Fla., distributes emergency food boxes and donated stuffed animals from Publix, to drivers May 7, 2020. The partnership between TCCH and Treasure Coast Food Bank expanded on Thursday to help not only patients, but also the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Kaila Jones/ 32963]

: Dennis Bartholomew, director of business development for Treasure Coast Health in Fellsmere, Fla., distributes emergency food boxes to drivers May 7, 2020. The partnership between TCCH and Treasure Coast Food Bank expanded on Thursday to help not only patients, but also the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Kaila Jones/ 32963]