SARASOTA, Fla. (April 10, 2025) — As summer approaches, tens of thousands of local children face the harsh reality of hunger when school meal programs pause. This year, the situation is even more urgent: the USDA announced plans to slash more than $1 billion in support of programs that enabled schools and food banks to buy fresh produce directly from local farms, with further cuts to critical programs expected.

Additionally, for the second year in a row, Florida opted out of the Sun Bucks program, forgoing nearly $260 million that could have fed more than 2.1 million children across the state this summer.

All Faiths Food Bank is rallying the community to step up during its 12th annual Campaign Against Summer Hunger. The campaign officially kicked off March 30 with The Walk to End Summer Hunger at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, drawing a crowd of approximately 500 compassionate supporters.

"While we're deeply concerned about the long-term implications of these cuts, our immediate focus is ensuring that every child in our community has enough to eat this summer," said Nelle S. Miller, president and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. "We're preparing thoughtfully and strategically, using predictive forecasting to understand how these changes could impact our neighbors — and urging our community to help meet today’s need."

To amplify community support, generous donors have pledged a dollar-for-dollar challenge match of up to $1 million, doubling the impact of every donation made to the Campaign Against Summer Hunger through May 15. Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation are once again leading the way as the campaign’s principal investors.

“For hardworking families already managing the pressures of inflation, rising grocery costs and continued hurricane recovery, this summer will be especially tough,” said Lisa Krouse, campaign chair. “Our community has always stepped up in times of need, and now is one of those times.”

Through a network of schools, libraries, early learning centers, summer camps and community organizations, the food bank provides children with healthy meals via mobile pantries, school-based food distributions, “BackPacks” filled with kid-friendly snacks and enhanced meal services in partnership with the Sarasota and DeSoto County school districts.

More than 50% of students in Sarasota County — and 100% of students in DeSoto County — rely on free or reduced-cost school meals. Last year, thanks to community support, more than 35,000 children received vital food assistance through the campaign.

To learn more and donate, 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.