All Faiths Food Bank is honored to be named one of nine finalists for the 2025 Sapphire Awards, presented by the Florida Blue Foundation. This prestigious recognition celebrates the food bank’s outstanding efforts to improve community health across Florida, alongside other exceptional programs, organizations and individuals making a significant impact statewide.

The Florida Blue Foundation announced the nine winners who will share $525,000 to continue their local impact work during the recent annual Community Health Symposium and Sapphire Awards in Orlando, Fla. All Faiths was recognized in the organizational category, with second-place honors and a $50,000 cash award.

 This year’s symposium theme highlighted the power of technology, innovation and AI in improving health outcomes across the state.

"We are tremendously honored to have been recognized by The Florida Blue Foundation," said All Faiths Food Bank President and CEO Nelle S. Miller. "Our goal is to ensure that each and every member of our community has access to nutritious food. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners and supporters as long as that need persists."

Together with more than 300 agencies and programs throughout the community, All Faiths works to drive long-term solutions for food security, health and self-sufficiency. Some of the food bank’s signature programs and services include: Food is Medicine, which ensures nutritious foods are accessible through partnerships with local healthcare providers and utilized as a powerful tool for prevention and healing; Childhood Hunger, which provides children with healthy foods through the Campaign Against Summer Hunger, the distribution of "BackPacks" full of kid-friendly, healthy food, and grocery pickup at school and family pantries; and Rural Hunger, through which All Faiths’ Food and Resource Center in DeSoto County has become a central hub for food and wraparound services for neighbors facing hunger. 

Through these and more innovative programs, All Faiths is dedicated to tackling the root causes of hunger, empowering individuals and families to thrive. Last year, the organization helped more than 80,000 people in Sarasota and DeSoto counties.

Florida Blue established the Florida Blue Foundation 25 years ago and introduced the Sapphire Awards in 2005 to recognize excellence and innovation in community health, leadership and programs across Florida. Since then, the Foundation has presented 157 Sapphire Awards, totaling more than $8 million toward community support and impact.

"We are thrilled to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sapphire Awards and recognize the outstanding contributions of these programs, organizations and individuals," said Florida Blue Foundation Executive Director, Susan Towler. "Each of the honorees is dedicated to innovation that improves the lives of Floridians, and we are honored to support their inspiring work."

For more about All Faiths Food Bank, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org.

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.