Summertime should be the best part of the year, but sadly, more than 40,000 area children will need food this summer. 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.

Since its inception 11 years ago, All Faiths Food Bank’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger has become our community’s strongest line of defense against child hunger. Thanks to financial support from foundations, corporate funders and caring donors – and the participation of hundreds of community partners – together, we are filling the “hunger gap” for tens of thousands of area students and their siblings.

1. Hunger is happening right here – possibly even next door 

Nearly 50% of Sarasota County and 100% of DeSoto County students rely on free and reduced-cost meals at school. When the school year ends, they lose access to those meals – as well as school pantries, which also provide nutritional assistance throughout the school year.

According to Feeding America, 13 million children in the U.S. are food insecure and 100% of U.S. counties have food insecurity. Contrary to what many might think, hunger is not something that happens to someone else, somewhere else – it is a stark reality that is happening right here.

2. Child hunger hurts kids now – and in the future

There are serious health and psychological consequences for kids facing hunger. Children who are hungry lack focus, have more difficulty with short-term memory, may be less social and are more prone to illness than children from food-secure homes. Hunger-related toxic stress can negatively affect brain development, and severe hunger can have lifelong impacts, including chronic illnesses and mental health disorders. Ultimately, hunger can limit a child’s long-term prospects for good health, happiness and financial security.

By ensuring that children have access to healthy foods, we can help children to learn and thrive, right now as well as years down the road.

3. Funds are even tighter this year for families who are struggling

On top of historically high costs for groceries, ever-increasing costs of living and still-rising inflation, there was another recent blow struck against families in our state: in the fall of 2023, we were shocked and saddened to learn that Florida had opted out of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program. Summer EBT, an expanded summer food program, would have dispensed $250 million in funding to help families in need buy food this summer.

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, Summer EBT would have helped to feed more than 2 million children. But now, the philanthropic sector will have to work that much harder to try to meet the already overwhelming need.

4. With community support, nearly 38,000 students were fed in 2023

In 2023, more than $2 million was raised through the Campaign. This support provided nearly 38,000 students and siblings with nutritious meals through 331 programs and partners.

Summer programs powered by the Campaign Against Summer Hunger include:

• BackPacks that provide kids with meals and snacks at numerous sites, including libraries, summer camps and early learning centers.
• Mobile Pantries, where fresh produce, meats and groceries are shared with children and families.
• School Pantries, which distribute fresh produce, meat and groceries to families at schools.
• Partnerships established with Sarasota and DeSoto County School District Food and Nutrition Services that enhance the meal services they provide through summer schools and other community sites where children attend.

The Campaign has raised more than $16 million since its launch in 2014.

5. Your donation toward ending summer hunger will be doubled

With a challenge match of $1 million this year, all donations to the Campaign Against Summer Hunger made between April 1 – May 15 will be doubled. Donors of all levels are encouraged to consider contributing to the Campaign – it's easy and contributions of any amount make a difference. 

Hunger Heroes are encouraged to:

• Make a donation that will be doubled through the dollar-for-dollar match
• Host a virtual fundraiser
• Encourage your family, co-workers, friends and neighbors to give
• Sign up to volunteer for All Faiths Food Bank during the summer months

We are fortunate to have a community that has always stepped up to ensure that our neighbors – our children – receive the nourishment they need. Please visit allfaithsfoodbank.org for more information and to make a gift.