After decades of near-misses, last year’s hurricane season was a sobering reminder that our region is not immune to major storms. Sarasota’s 70-year streak without a direct hit ended when Hurricane Milton made landfall on Siesta Key, following two other destructive storms, Debby and Helene, that brought widespread damage.

With another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season forecasted, All Faiths Food Bank is fully prepared to respond to weather-related disasters across Sarasota and DeSoto counties — just as it has since its founding in 1989.

As the region’s only food bank and largest hunger relief organization, All Faiths is a key part of local, state, and national emergency response efforts. The organization plans year-round for disasters, maintaining a ready supply of shelf-stable meals, bottled water, hygiene items and other emergency supplies. Its extensive warehouse capacity ensures it can stockpile and deploy critical resources quickly when a crisis hits.

“Sarasota County is grateful to All Faiths Food Bank for not only its continuous and dedicated support of our residents throughout the year but also the critical services that the organization provides in times of disaster,” said Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi. “Hurricane season lasts until Nov. 30, so it important to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared and have your supplies – including food and water to last each family member and pet for several days – as part of your emergency kits.”

Working in close coordination with local and state emergency management agencies, All Faiths delivers tens of thousands of pounds of food, water and supplies to shelters and relief sites before, during and after a storm. As part of the Feeding America and Feeding Florida networks, the organization is also prepared to support statewide or national disaster relief efforts as needed.

Following a storm, once roads are safe, the food bank launches emergency mobile distributions to get food and essential resources into the hands of anyone in need. All Faiths also plays a critical behind-the-scenes role, supplying cots for emergency personnel and hygiene items for evacuees at local shelters.

“The 2024 hurricane season impacted all of us in some way — but especially our neighbors already experiencing food insecurity,” said Nelle S. Miller, president and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. “We’re deeply grateful to the generous donors, partners and volunteers who make our response possible as we head into another active season.”

Thanks to community support, last year All Faiths responded to Hurricanes Helene and Milton by distributing 293,000 meals, more than 57,500 snacks, and over 90,000 bottles of water.

Those in need of emergency food after a storm can visit allfaithsfoodbank.org for updates, resources, and emergency distribution information. Updates are also shared on Facebook (@AllFaithsFoodBank) and Instagram (@allfaithsfoodbank).

To support hurricane preparedness and response efforts, financial donations are the most effective way to help. They allow the organization to act quickly and flexibly when disaster strikes. Volunteers are also needed to help with emergency distributions — those interested are encouraged to sign up in advance at allfaithsfoodbank.org/volunteer.

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.