Palm Coast Service Clubs Unite to Fight Student Hunger

Lions and Rotary launch joint drive to support Daytona State's Falcon Fuel program.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:51pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm colors depicting the general scene of a college campus, with blurred figures of students walking and carrying books, conveying a sense of community and campus life.A community-driven initiative aims to provide vital food resources to college students facing hunger in Flagler County.Palm Coast Today

The Palm Coast Lions Club and Rotary Club of Flagler County have partnered for the first time to launch the Falcon Fuel Donation Drive, a community initiative to provide food resources to students facing food insecurity at Daytona State College's Flagler/Palm Coast Campus.

Why it matters

The collaboration between these two long-standing service organizations aims to address the often overlooked issue of college student hunger, which can be a significant barrier to academic success. By supporting the Falcon HOPE Center's Falcon Fuel program, the clubs hope to empower students to focus on their studies rather than worrying about where their next meal will come from.

The details

The donation drive runs through May 30, 2026 and accepts both food and financial contributions from the community. Needed items can be purchased and shipped directly to the campus through the Falcon HOPE Center's Amazon Wish List, or donations can be mailed or delivered in person to the Flagler/Palm Coast Campus.

  • The Falcon Fuel Donation Drive launched in April 2026 and runs through May 30, 2026.

The players

Palm Coast Lions Club

A local service organization that has been active in the Palm Coast community for many years.

Rotary Club of Flagler County

A local Rotary club that has also been serving the Flagler County area for an extended period.

Daytona State College Flagler/Palm Coast Campus

The local campus of Daytona State College, where the Falcon HOPE Center and Falcon Fuel program are based.

Falcon HOPE Center

The on-campus resource center at Daytona State's Flagler/Palm Coast Campus that operates the Falcon Fuel program to provide food assistance to students.

Falcon Fuel

The food assistance program run by the Falcon HOPE Center to support food-insecure students at the Daytona State Flagler/Palm Coast Campus.

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What they’re saying

“This collaboration reflects what community service is supposed to look like. When organizations come together, we don't just add impact — we multiply it.”

— Michelle Bartlome, Rotary Club of Flagler County President

“This is just the beginning. By combining our efforts, we're creating a stronger, more unified approach to serving our community. We're proud to stand alongside Rotary and look forward to many more joint initiatives ahead.”

— Shara Brodsky, Palm Coast Lions Club President

What’s next

The two clubs say they plan to continue working together on future service projects in the Flagler County area beyond this initial Falcon Fuel Donation Drive.

The takeaway

This partnership between the Palm Coast Lions Club and Rotary Club of Flagler County demonstrates the power of community organizations coming together to address important local issues like college student hunger. Their joint efforts to support the Falcon Fuel program at Daytona State's Flagler/Palm Coast Campus will have a meaningful impact on food-insecure students in the region.