Summertime should be the best part of the year for our community’s students. Sadly, as many as 40,000 area children will need food this summer. With continuing pandemic-related economic impacts – including significantly higher costs for gas, rent, and food – and some still trying to rebuild after Hurricane Ian, many families are working harder than ever to make ends meet. As parents and caretakers are forced to choose between buying food and paying expenses such as rent, utilities, transportation, or medical care, children are feeling the impact of these impossible choices.

For the past decade, All Faiths Food Bank – the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties – has worked to fill the summer “hunger gap” for children through the Campaign Against Summer Hunger.

1. It CAN Happen – and IS Happening – Here 

Nearly 50% of Sarasota County and 100% of DeSoto County students rely on free and reduced-cost meals at school. The summer months can be especially difficult for the children of families struggling to put food on the table, as they lose access to those meals as well as school pantries, which also provide nutritional assistance.

According to Feeding America, more than 9 million children in the U.S. faced hunger in 2021; Feeding Florida notes that over 660,000 children face hunger in our state. Contrary to what many might think, hunger is not something that happens to someone else – it is in our neighborhoods, perhaps even right next door.

2. Food Today Can Assure a Brighter Tomorrow

Hunger doesn’t just make children physically uncomfortable – which is bad enough – it has significant impacts on their mental and physical health, now and in the future.

Research has shown that kids who experience food insecurity in their first five years are more likely to lag behind their peers in social, emotional, and cognitive skills when they begin kindergarten, with dim prospects for catching up. Hungry students in any grade will have less energy, be more easily distracted, be more likely to struggle with behavioral issues and perform below their peers academically.

There are long-term consequences for children who have experienced hunger, from chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis, to mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Ultimately, hunger can limit a child’s lifelong potential and prospects for financial security.

By ensuring that children have access to healthy foods, we can help children to learn and thrive, right now as well as years down the road.

3. With community support, more than 35,000 students were fed in 2022

In 2022, through matching funds and the community campaign, $2 million was raised. With this vital support, All Faiths was able to provide more than 35,000 students and siblings nearly 2.5 million nutritious meals, through 333 programs and partners who help All Faiths reach all who might be in need. That success would not have been possible without the inspirational generosity of lead investors Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Over the past nine years, the Campaign has raised a gratifying total of more than $14 million to feed kids over the summer as well as in the spring of 2020, when schools were closed due to COVID-19.

4. Your Gift Will Be Doubled

With a challenge match of $900,000 this year, all donations to the Campaign Against Summer Hunger made between April 1 – May 15 will be doubled.

The purpose of the challenge match is to inspire community donors to participate and to feel even prouder about the impact they are making in people’s lives. All gifts are appreciated and every dollar makes a difference.

5. You Can Help to End Child Hunger

We are fortunate to have a community that has always stepped up to ensure that our neighbors – our children – receive the nourishment they need. All Faiths Food Bank is hoping for strong participation this year, especially as the organization recognizes the tenth anniversary of the Campaign Against Summer Hunger.

Donors of all levels are encouraged to consider contributing to All Faiths Food Bank’s Campaign between April 1 and May 15, so that thousands of students and siblings who may otherwise go hungry can be helped. It's easy and donations of any amount make a difference. Hunger heroes are encouraged to:

·       Make a donation that will be doubled through the dollar-for-dollar match

·       Host a virtual fundraiser

·       Encourage your family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors to give

Please visit allfaithsfoodbank.org for more information and to make a gift.