Food collections will be accepted at bank branches through April 29
Feeding America, a nonprofit nationwide network of food banks, has reported that more than 1,040,000 South Florida residents have food insecurity, meaning they do not have consistent access to vital nutrition, Fifth Third Bank points out in a news release. To help fill this need, the bank has partnered with The Salvation Army to collect 5,300 pounds of non-perishable food items during the Feeding our Communities. food drive, the release adds.
Donations will be accepted at all Fifth Third bank branches through April 29, the release points out. “This is the sixth year that this effort will benefit The Salvation Army and its partner food banks,” the release adds.
“Every day we get calls and walk-ins from individuals looking for food in our community,” said Tricia Jaret, food service director for The Salvation Army of Sarasota, in the release. “We are thankful that we have valuable community partners like Fifth Third Bank who assist us in making sure our pantries stay full. The donated food will be used to assist homeless and struggling families needing a beacon of hope in their lives.”
In Sarasota County, The Salvation Army provides an average of about 15,000 pounds of food to residents in need each month, the release continues.
In addition “to meeting basic human needs for families and individuals and providing emergency and intermediate shelter, food, clothing, counseling, training and health care,” The Salvation Army provides prevention programs and emergency disaster services, the release says. Its Center of Hope in Sarasota is located at 1400 10th St.
For more information or to schedule a facilities tour, call 364-8845, Ext. 1112. For more details about local Salvation Army operations, visit www.salvationarmysarasota.org.