Funds will enable thousands of families to enjoy fresh produce from local agricultural suppliers
“Amid rising food costs, tariffs and government funding cuts, families across Sarasota and DeSoto counties are facing greater challenges” putting healthful meals on the table, leaders of All Faiths Food Bank of Sarasota have pointed out. “Highlighting its steadfast commitment to addressing food insecurity among children, The Wawa Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant through its Fly Beyond Key Issue Grant Fund to support All Faiths Food Bank’s School Pantry program in Sarasota and DeSoto counties,” a news release says.
“The program operates 30 pantries, most located at area schools, which distribute fresh produce from local farms, as well as dairy, meat and pantry staples to ensure children and their families have access to nutritious food throughout the year,” the release explains. “Food banks are working harder than ever” to provide healthful foods for people facing hunger — “particularly after the elimination of $1 billion in federal spending for [U.S. Department of Agriculture] programs, including the Local Food for Schools program — that previously enabled food banks to buy fresh food from local farms,” the release notes.
“The School Pantry program not only nourishes children and their families,” but it also strengthens the local economy, the release adds. “By purchasing fresh items directly from area farms and suppliers, All Faiths ensures families receive the freshest, highest-quality food — while supporting the growers who make it possible.”
“When children have access to nutritious food, they face fewer illnesses and chronic diseases and are better able to perform academically,” said All Faiths Food Bank President and CEO Nelle S. Miller in the release. “We are grateful to the Wawa Foundation for its support, ensuring children are receiving nourishing foods that offer a better chance for them to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.”
“All Faiths Food Bank partners with the Sarasota and DeSoto County school districts to offer the school pantries in local schools” and at other child-focused organizations — eliminating transportation and scheduling barriers, and putting healthful food directly into the hands of parents and caregivers, the release points out.
In 2024, the School Pantry program reached more than 8,300 neighbors and distributed more than 1.2 million pounds of food — including more than 78,000 pounds of produce — equating to more than 1 million meals, the release says.
To learn more about All Faiths Food Bank, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941-379-6333.