In response to increased need and in order to brighten the holidays for community members who are struggling, All Faiths Food Bank will distribute thousands of turkeys and side dishes to those who are facing hunger with multiple food distributions now through Nov. 24. With the funding provided by generous donors to the food bank's ongoing "ThankFULL" campaign, as well as a $36,000 grant from the Kathleen K. Catlin Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, All Faiths hopes to provide 9,000 turkeys and 4 million meals to feed children, families, veterans and seniors this holiday season.

The turkey distributions kicked off on Nov. 7 with an event hosted by The Bay Park Conservancy and Van Wezel. All Faiths distributed more than 700 turkeys (with side dishes as well as bouquets of flowers). The coronavirus pandemic has caused an unprecedented spike in need for food assistance: since mid-March, the Food Bank has seen a 120 percent increase in food distribution and a 45 percent increase in new clients at mobile pantry distributions.