Largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota, DeSoto counties ready to respond with food, water and emergency supplies in advance and in wake of a storm
With an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season forecast, All Faiths Food Bank of Sarasota County “is fully prepared to respond to weather-related disasters across Sarasota and DeSoto counties — just as it has since its founding in 1989,” leaders of the nonprofit organization are reminding the public.
“After decades of near-misses, last year’s hurricane season was a sobering reminder that our region is not immune to major storms,” a news release points out. “Sarasota’s 70-year streak without a direct hit ended when Hurricane Milton made landfall on Siesta Key, following two other destructive storms, Debby and Helene, that brought widespread damage,” the release adds.
“As the region’s only food bank and largest hunger relief organization,” the release notes, “All Faiths is a key part of local, state, and national emergency response efforts. The organization plans year-round for disasters, maintaining a ready supply of shelf-stable meals, bottled water, hygiene items and other emergency supplies. Its extensive warehouse capacity ensures it can stockpile and deploy critical resources quickly when a crisis hits,” the release explains.
“Sarasota County is grateful to All Faiths Food Bank for not only its continuous and dedicated support of our residents throughout the year but also the critical services that the organization provides in times of disaster,” said Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi in the release. “Hurricane season lasts until Nov. 30,” she continued in the release, “so it is important to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared and have your supplies — including food and water to last each family member and pet for several days — as part of your emergency kits.”
The release further notes, “Working in close coordination with local and state emergency management agencies, All Faiths delivers tens of thousands of pounds of food, water and supplies to shelters and relief sites before, during and after a storm. As part of the Feeding America and Feeding Florida networks, the organization is also prepared to support statewide or national disaster relief efforts as needed.
“Following a storm, once roads are safe,” the food bank launches emergency mobile distribution efforts “to get food and essential resources into the hands of anyone in need,” the release points out. “All Faiths also plays a critical behind-the-scenes role, supplying cots for emergency personnel and hygiene items for evacuees at local shelters,” the release notes.
“The 2024 hurricane season impacted all of us in some way — but especially our neighbors already experiencing food insecurity,” said Nelle S. Miller, president and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank, in the release. “We’re deeply grateful to the generous donors, partners and volunteers who make our response possible as we head into another active storm season,” Miller added.
“Thanks to community support, last year All Faiths responded to Hurricanes Helene and Milton by distributing 293,000 meals, more than 57,500 snacks,” and more than 90,000 bottles of water, the release says.
“Those in need of emergency food after a storm can visit allfaithsfoodbank.org for updates, resources, and emergency distribution information. Updates are also shared on Facebook (@AllFaithsFoodBank) and Instagram (@allfaithsfoodbank),” the release points out. Financial donations are the most effective way to support hurricane preparedness and response efforts, the release explains (allfaithsfoodbank.org/donate). “They allow the organization to act quickly and flexibly when disaster strikes. Volunteers are also needed to help with emergency distributions — those interested are encouraged to sign up in advance at allfaithsfoodbank.org/volunteer.”