Amid rising food costs, tariffs and government funding cuts, families across Sarasota and DeSoto counties are facing greater challenges putting healthy meals on the table. 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.
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. Food banks are working harder than ever to provide healthy foods for people facing hunger — particularly after the elimination of $1 billion in federal spending for USDA programs, including the Local Food for Schools program — that previously enabled food banks to buy fresh food from local farms.
The School Pantry program not only nourishes children and their families, but also strengthens the local economy. 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.
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“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’s President and CEO, Nelle S. Miller. “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.”
Currently, All Faiths Food Bank partners with the Sarasota and DeSoto County school districts to offer the school pantries in local schools and other child-focused organizations — eliminating transportation and scheduling barriers, and putting healthy food directly into the hands of parents and caregivers.
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In 2024, the School Pantry program reached more than 8,300 neighbors and distributed over 1.2 million pounds of food – including more than 78,000 pounds of produce – equating to more than 1 million meals.
To learn more about All Faiths Food Bank, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941-379-6333.
About All Faiths Food Bank
All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, providing millions of meals each year in collaboration with more than 300 agencies and programs throughout the community. All Faiths works not only to end hunger today, but also strives to end hunger – forever – by helping families and individuals gain long-term food security, enjoy better health outcomes, and achieve self-sufficiency. All Faiths is rated four stars by Charity Navigator and is a partner of the Feeding America and Feeding Florida networks. Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org.
