Hunger relief organization works with community to fill “hunger gap” as rising costs and reduced school meal access increase need.
As rising costs continue to strain families, thousands of children across Sarasota and DeSoto counties face a summer without reliable access to food. When the school year ends, so do daily meals for the 43% of Sarasota County students (more than 19,000) and all DeSoto County students (nearly 4,300) who rely on free and reduced-cost school meals.
All Faiths Food Bank’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger supports efforts to provide food for local kids throughout the summer months. For the thirteenth year, the hunger relief organization is partnering with the Sarasota and DeSoto County school districts, along with hundreds of community partners, to provide free, nutritious food to children all summer long.
The effort is bolstered by the federally funded Summer BreakSpot program, run by Sarasota and DeSoto County Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services departments. Summer BreakSpot reimburses participating organizations for meals through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Summer Food Service Program. At many locations, All Faiths provides additional food resources and operates on-site pantries. There are nearly 40 sites where food will be available for children throughout the summer.
“We’re hearing from our team members who work on the front lines many stories of working families hit hard by the current economic conditions, with rising costs for gas, rent, childcare and healthcare. Now add to that the cost of providing 10 extra meals per week, per child, throughout the summer; hardworking parents are overwhelmed trying to figure out how to make ends meet,” said Nelle S. Miller, president and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. "We are fortunate to have dedicated partners and a generous community that responds when our neighbors need help – thanks to their compassion and commitment, thousands of kids will have the food they need to thrive while school is out."
“Sarasota County Schools has proudly participated in the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program for almost 30 years, and the impact it has had in our community is tangible," said Sarasota County Schools’ Food & Nutrition Services Director, Sara Dan. “Schools are a central point of connection for children and families throughout the year, but especially during the summer months when routines and budgets may change. The extra help we receive from All Faiths Food Bank and the Campaign enables our team to offer enough provisions for all family members. Extending this level support to the community would not be possible without the USDA’s framework, our valued partnership with All Faiths Food Bank, and the dedication of our FNS team members.”
In 2025, the Campaign raised $2 million. With the support of 122 investors and 2,472 community donors, thousands of local children received nutritious meals. Since 2014, donors have contributed nearly $21 million to the Campaign.
This year, there is a $1 million challenge match to help inspire giving to the Campaign through May 15. All Faiths is thankful for lead investors Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation for continuing to help fund the match since its inception, as well as the hundreds of 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 children facing hunger.
More information about Sarasota County Schools’ summer meal resources can be found at sarsotacountyschools.net or by calling 941-486-2199.
To find the nearest summer food distributions for your child, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org/summer-food-sites/. To help children and families experiencing hunger through a financial gift or volunteer efforts, 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.