SARASOTA, FL (October 6, 2022) – Thanks to the generosity of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation – in partnership with Keith Monda and Veronica Brady, Kathy and Travis Brown, and Bob and Lin Williams – every gift to All Faiths Food Bank for Hurricane Ian disaster relief will be matched, up to $100,000. Gifts can be made securely via All Faiths’ website at allfaithsfoodbank.org.
All Faiths Food Bank is a member of Feeding Florida, the state’s largest hunger relief organization and the only food bank network with an active presence, providing ongoing community-based food distributions in all 67 counties of Florida. Its efforts are critical during times of crisis and natural disaster. In partnership with the Department of Emergency Management’s ESF6 mass feeding team, Feeding Florida and its 12-member food banks have quickly mobilized to ensure communities are prepared and provided for.
All Faiths Food Bank is proud to work with Feeding Florida and its sister food banks around the state to coordinate recovery efforts, stage product, and transport food to Florida communities affected by the storm. Depending on the magnitude and location of a storm, All Faiths’ staff and fleet of trucks carrying food may also be deployed to other food banks in Florida.
Before the storm made landfall, All Faiths Food Bank initiated the movement of food and water to shelters and disaster relief organizations, to assist storm victims in our community. In the wake of the storm, All Faiths is dedicated to working tirelessly to provide meals, water and supplies to those affected by Hurricane Ian.
So far, All Faiths has distributed nearly 150,000 bottles of water, more than 140,000 meals, and almost 200,000 hand-held, easy-to-eat snacks.
All Faiths held a large-scale distribution at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on October 5. As of that date, 80% of its agency partners are open and able to distribute food. Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org/foodfinder for updates on dates, locations and times that food and water will be available.
All Faiths will provide support to Harry Chapin Food Bank in Fort Myers as it restores its facility and begins addressing the devastating needs in Lee and Collier counties. All Faiths is currently assessing the status of Harry Chapin’s agencies in Charlotte County and will supply food and water to help meet the needs of community members there.
“Our hearts go out to our neighbors impacted in South Sarasota County and the families in Southwest Florida. The Food Bank is here now and will continue to be here to assist in the long-term recovery for those impacted by Hurricane Ian,” said All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank. “We are so grateful to the donors and the Toulmin Foundation in providing this generous match, which will help to inspire even greater giving in this time of incredible need.”
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 with nearly 200 agencies and programs throughout the community. All Faiths works not only to fight 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. In 2021, All Faiths distributed 19 million pounds of food – equating to 17 million meals, provided 36% more meals than 2019 (pre-pandemic), and remained steadfast in its commitment to provide nutritional assistance to community members, including 44% who were new to the food bank. For its efforts, All Faiths was honored as the 2021 “Nonprofit of the Year” by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce; the organization was also recognized as a Top 4 Food Bank in the country in 2020. 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.