On October 24, All Faiths Food Bank hosted more than 142 guests at the annual Autumn Harvest Dinner inside its warehouse. The sold-out long-table dinner, catered by Michael's On East, raised funds for the organization’s produce program — which provides fresh fruits and vegetables to people in need in our community.

The event began with a cocktail hour in All Faith’s food sorting room, enhanced by live music from local artist Sheri Nadelman. Board Chair Patricia Courtois welcomed guests and thanked sponsors. Once all were seated at their tables, All Faiths President and CEO Nelle S. Miller welcomed those in attendance and introduced event co-chairs Mitch Olan and David Nichols, who both also serve on the nonprofit’s board of directors. The dinner was emceed by Hallie Young of From the Heart Fundraising, who was introduced by co-chairs Josie Nichols and Lisa Olan. 

In Sarasota and DeSoto counties, the rising cost of groceries and cuts to federal food and health assistance programs, including SNAP, have left many of our neighbors struggling to make ends meet. Nearly 6,000 households in Sarasota and DeSoto counties who visit All Faiths for help currently receive SNAP, which is expected to lapse Nov. 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown.

To ensure community members have access to the healthy food they need, All Faiths Food Bank — through its Autumn Harvest campaign — works to secure and distribute millions of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables each year. In 2024, of the nearly 23 million pounds of food provided by All Faiths in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, 6.3 million pounds was fresh produce.

Behind every pound of produce is a story of hope — like Regina’s.

Just weeks away from welcoming her first baby, 38-year-old Regina says her pregnancy has been a journey of healing, hope and healthier habits. Referred by her healthcare provider to an All Faiths Wellness Market, she now picks up fresh foods during her regular prenatal visits.

“It’s been really a big help,” she said. “I’ve been going every week my entire pregnancy, grabbing food, and just making sure me and baby are healthy.”

Before her pregnancy, Regina often skipped meals while juggling bills and work at fast food restaurants. “It was like, ‘Do I make my car payment? Do I take care of that bill? Or do I buy groceries?’” she said. “Finding these resources has been a godsend.”

Miller said Regina’s story is a powerful reminder of why the Autumn Harvest campaign matters. “Our Autumn Harvest campaign is founded on the belief that the bounty of the harvest belongs to all — especially our most vulnerable neighbors,” Miller said. “A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help lower the risk of chronic health issues, like obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. We are so grateful to our generous sponsors for ensuring our neighbors can enjoy better health outcomes and brighter futures.”

Gulf Coast Community Foundation, through the Betty Jane Helle Endowment Fund, proudly supported the event as Abundant sponsor, as well as Spectrum Underground, Inc., Diane Green, Keith Monda and Veronica Brady, Patrick and Mary Mulva, David and Josie Nichols, Lisa and Mitch Olan, The Johns Family Foundation, and Cheryl Wyatt and John Wenderski.

For more information 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.

About Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Since 1995, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has powered bold philanthropy and collaborative leadership to drive meaningful change across our region. Guided by values of authenticity, curiosity, collaboration, grit, and a trailblazing spirit, we work side-by-side with donors, partners, and community members to tackle our region’s biggest challenges and unlock its greatest opportunities. Together with our donors, we’ve invested more than $610 million in health and human services, education, civic & economic development, arts & culture, and the environment. Headquartered in Venice, with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Gulf Coast is nationally recognized for excellence, earning multiple “Best Nonprofits to Work For” honors and accreditation from Community Foundations National Standards®. Learn more at GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.