Northeast Florida AIDS Network (NFAN) is excited to announce the 21st Annual Dining Out For Life® Jacksonville on Thursday, April 16, 2026. This special day invites everyone to enjoy great food and drinks while supporting vital efforts and local businesses that benefit the community. When you dine out on April 16, your meal or drink becomes an act of kindness. Your support helps the NFAN Mary H. Lewis Food Pantry provide vital food aid to people living with HIV across Northeast Florida. Together, we can build a healthier, more compassionate community where no one has to go hungry alone.
What Is Dining Out For Life®? Dining Out For Life® is an annual event that unites communities and celebrates the generosity of local restaurants, bakeries, bars, food trucks, and breweries. On Thursday, April 16, 2026, these partners will donate a portion of their sales to support the NFAN Mary H. Lewis Food Pantry, which provides vital food assistance to individuals living with HIV in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, and Nassau counties. We are proud to have been part of this meaningful community tradition in Jacksonville for more than twenty years.
** How It Works** On Thursday, April 16, 2026, visit one or more of our participating locations for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, or a late-night out. With your support, they will donate at least 25% of their sales to the NFAN Mary H. Lewis Food Pantry. Every purchase helps support those who need it most.
This year’s event is proudly supported by our media partner, Action News Jax, with trusted community voices Tenikka Hughes and Trevor Gibbs serving as official spokespeople. Their involvement helps amplify awareness across Northeast Florida and shines a spotlight on the importance of fighting hunger and supporting individuals living with HIV.
Mark your calendar, invite your friends and family, and help spread the word. By supporting our partners on this special day, you’re making a meaningful difference—one meal, one drink at a time. Join us as we #DineOutSaveLives on Thursday, April 16, and show the power of a community united by kindness, generosity, and hope.
nfan mary h. lewis food pantry
The NFAN Mary H. Lewis Food Pantry is a vital resource for individuals living with HIV in Northeast Florida. In 2024, it provided 15,388 meals. NFAN has made the pantry accessible to anyone with HIV, regardless of where they receive their other services.
The pantry was founded by Mary H. Lewis, who began volunteering at NFAN in 1990. Recognizing a critical need, she initiated the food pantry. Mary reached out to grocery stores and restaurants to collect as much food as possible and organized the pantry for individuals living with HIV to access. This initiative was significant during that time because HIV medications often came with strict instructions regarding timing and consumption, and they could cause severe side effects. Having readily available food was essential for those managing their treatment.
Today, as grocery prices surge, the NFAN Mary H. Lewis Food Pantry is more in demand than ever, fulfilling an essential role in our community. With your generous support of Dining Out For Life® Jacksonville on Thursday, April 16, 2026, NFAN will continue its vital mission to ensure that no one living with HIV in Northeast Florida experiences hunger. Together, we can make a real difference.
ways to participate
partner
We do all the work! Whether you’re an event partner or a restaurant/bar partner, we offer comprehensive marketing services and collaborate with our media partner Action News Jax to amplify your brand’s reach across Northeast Florida. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a distinguished network of businesses that share your vision for positively impacting the community.
DINE
Bring your family and friends to enjoy meals at participating restaurants and bars on Thursday, April 16, 2026, and feel proud knowing your support helps provide meals to those in need through NFAN Mary H. Lewis Food Pantry in Northeast Florida. Your participation makes a real difference in our community. Make plans now to join us as we #DineOutSaveLives
VOLUNTEER
Being a Dining Out For Life® Jacksonville Ambassador is a rewarding and enjoyable experience! Your role is vital to the event’s success. The task includes promoting the event, inviting family and friends to dine at your assigned location on Thursday, April 16, 2026, welcoming diners and encouraging them to participate in our raffle with a grand prize of a $1,000 Visa Gift Card. Click below to sign up!
DONATE
The NFAN Mary H. Lewis Food Pantry is a community-funded program at NFAN. Funds raised through Dining Out For Life, the event raffle, and donations help keep life-changing assistance available year-round to someone in need right here in Northeast Florida. Thank you for being so supportive.
Welcome to Dining Out For Life® Jacksonville’s Virtual Table with Fork and Spoon. It’s quick and easy. Donations can be accepted here at any time. Click the photo to be redirected to PayPal to place your secure donation.
Tell your friends and thank you for joining Fork and Spoon for Dining Out For Life® as we raise funds for Northeast Florida AIDS Network Mary H. Lewis Food Pantry.
Hungry for More? Check out the Dining Out For Life® Jacksonville website www.nfanjax.org/DOFLJax
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about Northeast Florida Aids Network (NFAN)
Northeast Florida AIDS Network (NFAN) is the longest-standing AIDS Service Organization (ASO) in Northeast Florida, established in 1989. Staff and volunteers serve Duval, Clay. St. Johns, and Nassau counties. Our mission is to provide compassionate leadership, services, and advocacy in meeting the prevention, health, spiritual, and social needs of individuals, families, and communities. As long as there is a need, NFAN is committed to our mission and stands ready to serve the community.
HIV Service Organization
Northeast Florida AIDS Network
Northeast Florida AIDS Network Address
2715 Oak Street
Jacksonville, FL 32205
