SARASOTA, Fla. – All Faiths Food Bank marked the opening of its newest Wellness Market earlier this month with a ribbon-cutting at the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County. The market will expand access to nutritious food for patients and families facing food insecurity.

Patients identified as food insecure during medical appointments will be able to “shop” for groceries immediately following their visit in a dignified, choice-style setting. Neighbors will then be connected with All Faiths for additional food support and benefits assistance.

“This partnership strengthens our commitment to addressing hunger as a critical health issue,” said Kristina Richardson, senior director of nutrition and wellness for All Faiths Food Bank. “By integrating food access directly into healthcare settings, we can intervene earlier, improve health outcomes, and reduce stress for families.”

Approximately 80 families each month screen positive for food insecurity through the Department of Health’s specialty services and Healthy Start programs. The new Wellness Market will also serve patients connected to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and CenterPlace Health, making it a centralized resource for multiple healthcare partners.

Unlike traditional distributions, the Wellness Market model allows patients to select foods that best meet their household’s needs and cultural preferences. The market features a variety of nutritious options, with an emphasis on fresh produce, frozen meats and staple grocery items.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to enhance access to food for our clients while emphasizing the important role food and nutrition play in both medical treatment and wellness,” said Chuck Henry, DOH Sarasota Health officer. 

This site is the sixth Wellness Market launched by All Faiths, joining locations at DeSoto Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care - North Port, Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County, and Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center, which was the first location to open in June 2024 and operates two markets.

The new location builds on All Faiths’ broader Food is Medicine initiative, which integrates food insecurity screenings, medically tailored nutrition support, and benefits assistance into healthcare environments across Sarasota and DeSoto counties. By addressing food insecurity as part of clinical care, the organization aims to reduce hospital readmissions, improve chronic disease management, and strengthen family stability.

The ribbon-cutting brought together team members from All Faiths and the Department of Health to commemorate the partnership and celebrate the market’s launch.

All Faiths is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization serving Sarasota and DeSoto counties, providing millions of meals each year in collaboration with more than 300 agencies and programs. Through innovative initiatives like the Wellness Market, the organization continues to expand its impact – ensuring food is not only accessible but also recognized as essential to health and healing.

For more information about All Faiths Food Bank and its Food is Medicine initiatives, 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.

About the Florida Department of Health
The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.