Photo by Ted Hoffman
Engaging in physical activity and eating nutritious food are crucial to a young person’s health and well-being. Nobody understands this better than Lynne Kunins, founder, president and CEO of Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth (FLIPANY), a Fort Lauderdale–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Kunins, 55, established the organization in 2005, drawing on her own experience overcoming addiction, poverty, hunger and a suicide attempt.
“It took me a lot of years to fix my childhood,” says Kunins, a New Jersey native who lives in Sunrise with her partner, Jennifer Jones. “I was raised by very abusive parents and didn’t learn until my mid-30s that I was adopted.”
She credits her love of sports, problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial spirit with helping her survive — and ultimately thrive — despite those challenges.
Before launching FLIPANY, Kunins owned several businesses, but her nonprofit work leading activities for children of incarcerated parents proved to be transformative. She saw kids who wanted opportunities — healthy food, physical activity and mentorship — but lacked access, and Kunins believed even modest interventions could help close health-equity gaps.
Today, the organization partners with local companies and donors on programs — Healthy Meals, Nutrition Education, Fun Fitness and Wellness Initiatives — for underserved people throughout the tri-county area.
Kunins’ first hire was a registered dietitian, and in its inaugural year, FLIPANY became the designated Florida partner for the Cooking Matters food skills education program and hosted its first annual FLIPANY 5K Fun Run.
“Each year, FLIPANY partners with more than 250 community organizations in South Florida, serving children out of school and vulnerable seniors,” Kuins says. That includes its federally funded Senior Congregate Meals Program, administered by the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County.
“We provide over 8,000 healthy meals every day and ensure that more than 20,000 residents have access to nutritious food, engaging nutrition education and fun, accessible fitness programs that support lifelong health and wellness.”
The nonprofit is now focused on expanding its Afterschool Meals Program and enhancing its Soccer for Success Program, she adds.
“FLIPANY is all about giving kids the lifetime skills connected to health and wellness so that they can reach their full potential,” Kunins says.
For more information or to support FLIPANY, call 954-354-7269 or visit flipany.org.