Donations going to All Faiths Food Bank for distribution this summer ‘to combat food insecurity in the community’
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office 2026 Block Party Food Drive, which ended on April 11, “amassed an impressive amount of food donations, completely filling an agency van, in addition to $2,770.20 in cash donations,” a Sheriff’s Office news release reports.
Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman said he was thrilled to announce the successful results, the release notes.
More than 1,125 people attended the Second annual Block Party on April 11, where attendees could exchange donations for event T-shirts, the release adds. From March 13 to April 11, community members, local businesses and Sheriff’s Office staff “contributed non-perishable food items at various drop-off locations throughout Sarasota County,” the release points out. “In collaboration with All Faiths Food Bank, these donations will be distributed to combat food insecurity in the community this summer,” the release explains.
The agency’s on-site Walk-On Clinic and the Sheriff’s Office “played pivotal roles” in the drive, with each providing a $1,000 cash donation, the release notes. Those funds “boosted the drive’s overall success,” the release adds.
“Helping provide food for families and children is always something we are glad to do!” said Sheriff Hoffman in the release. “For the second year, we have asked the community to assist us with this food drive in conjunction with our block party, and our community showed up again in a big way!”
Along with the food drive, the Block Party “featured educational activities, games, and delicious food and treats — all available at no cost,” the release points out. Families “especially enjoyed the Agency Passport activity, along with the K-9, Marine Unit, and Aviation Section demonstrations,” it continues.
“The event would not have been such a success without the generous help of community partners,” the release says, including Gecko’s Grill and Pub, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts, Tailored Thrones, Sue Ellen’s Floral Boutique, Caddy Carts, Chick-fil-A, Let’s Jump Events, Kona Ice, Bella’s Booth, JJ Fox’s Treehouse, Sam’s Club, and Sky Zone.