As the holiday season approaches, most of us are eagerly anticipating gift exchanges and delicious meals shared with friends and loved ones. But for too many of our neighbors, financial challenges mean that they will be facing empty plates during the holidays.

Hardworking people are struggling to pay their monthly rent and gas costs. More than half of our community’s children rely on free and reduced-cost meals at school for the nutrition assistance they need to help them grow and excel academically. And older adults on fixed incomes are hard-pressed to afford basic necessities, as the cost of food continues to rise.

Sometimes, hunger is just a house over. Each year, nearly 200,000 people in our community need food. And hunger doesn’t take a break for the holidays.

Here are five things you should know about hunger as the holiday season approaches:

1. Hurricane season has taken a huge toll on our community.

With the 1-2-3 punch of Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, it has truly been an unprecedented storm season for Florida. But hurricanes don’t just cause widespread damage and destruction – they also exacerbate the crisis of hunger. The cost of home repairs, reduced hours at work (or even lost jobs due to businesses closing), and the spoilage of perishable foods due to power outages add up to catastrophic impacts for the most vulnerable of our neighbors.

As one of the lead emergency response agencies in Sarasota and the state, All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) begins the movement of water and MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat) before a storm makes landfall. Once the storm is past, AFFB is there to provide healthy foods to replenish refrigerators and cupboards.

2. Hunger doesn’t take a break during the holidays.

When money is tight, tough choices must be made. We hear all the time from the neighbors we help that they are having to choose between buying groceries or paying rent, refilling needed prescriptions, staying current with utility bills or fixing their car.

For people who are struggling, the holidays bring the added pressure – and expense – of preparing seasonal meals and participating in gift exchanges. Imagine how disheartening it must be to feel left out of celebrations others are enjoying immensely.

3. Hunger affects millions across the country … and too many right next door.

According to Feeding America, 47 million people in the United States are food insecure, including 14 million children. There were 49 million people who turned to food programs in 2022. And 100% of U.S. counties have food insecurity.

Last year, nearly 70,000 neighbors came to All Faiths Food Bank for help. Together with its partners and powered by generous donor support, we were able to provide more than 18 million meals – an increase of 281,000 meals over the previous year. Food is distributed through mobile pantries and farm markets, school and family pantries, “BackPacks” full of child-friendly, healthy food for students, summer hunger programs and various partner agencies.

4. All Faiths Food Bank has worked for decades to provide food for our neighbors in need during the holidays.

Since its founding in 1989, All Faiths Food Bank has provided food during the holidays, steadily expanding its efforts through the ThankFULL campaign for the past 19 years. This is possible thanks to individual and corporate gifts as well as ongoing support from area foundations.

This year, AFFB’s goal is to distribute more than 13,000 turkeys and sides, and nearly 4 million holiday meals, through its own distributions and network of more than 300 programs and agency partners. But we can’t do it without you…

5. Together, we can make a difference for our neighbors who are facing hunger.

With a gift to All Faiths Food Bank’s ThankFULL campaign, you will make it possible for your neighbors to enjoy a festive holiday celebration, complete with a healthy, delicious meal. You can also host a virtual fundraiser as well as encourage your family, co-workers, friends and neighbors to share the joy of helping others.

Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org to learn how you can help turn empty plates into ThankFULL Tummies and Hearts this holiday season.