All Faiths Food Bank announces $1 million Campaign match

All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) has announced that this year’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger will be bolstered by a $1 million challenge match – the largest in the history of the fundraising effort – provided by Campaign investors. The Campaign provides food for students and their siblings in Sarasota and DeSoto counties over the course of the summer.

The community campaign began on April 1 and runs through May 15, with donations of all amounts welcome – and all gifts to be doubled.

Nearly 50% of Sarasota County and 100% of DeSoto County students rely on free and reduced-cost meals at school. The Campaign supports efforts to feed area children during the summer months when they no longer receive those meals – as well as school pantries, which also provide nutritional assistance throughout the school year.

AFFB estimates that more than 40,000 local kids will need food this summer. On top of an already high cost of living and growing inflation, Florida has opted out of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program, which would have provided $250 million in funding to help families in need buy food this summer.

AFFB is thankful for lead investors Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation for helping to fund the challenge match, as well as the more than 300 community partners – including schools, libraries, early learning centers, summer camps, community centers and numerous other organizations throughout Sarasota and DeSoto counties – that help the organization reach all who might be in need.

“For students who rely on free or reduced-cost meals at school, that last school bell signals the start of three long, hungry months at home,” said AFFB’s President and CEO Nelle S. Miller. “We are fortunate to have a community that has always stepped up to ensure that our neighbors – our children – receive the nourishment they need. We hope people will step up, once again, this year.”

In 2023, the Campaign raised over $2 million. With this support, nearly 38,000 local children received nutritious meals. Since its inception in 2014, donors have contributed more than $16 million to the Campaign.

For more about All Faiths Food Bank or to learn more about the Campaign to End Summer Hunger, 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 480 programs and partner agencies 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 4 stars by Charity Navigator and is a member of the Feeding America and Feeding Florida networks. For more information visit allfaithsfoodbank.org.