SARASOTA, FL (November 12, 2025) – As the holiday season approaches, many families are preparing to gather around the table and give thanks. Yet for thousands of local families, the joy of a Thanksgiving meal is far from guaranteed. As devastating federal cuts to food and health assistance programs hit home — and the government shutdown delays benefits and paychecks for local families — this “season of plenty” will look very different for many in our community.   

Between January and September 2025, All Faiths Food Bank saw visits rise by 24% compared to the same period last year. That number is expected to grow as the full impact of these government policy decisions take hold.

To ensure no one goes without a holiday meal, All Faiths Food Bank is once again hosting Thanksgiving distributions across Sarasota County, providing turkeys and all the trimmings to neighbors in need. These distributions are part of the annual ThankFULL campaign, a three-month community effort to raise funds for 14,500 turkeys and 4.1 million holiday meals for families across Sarasota and DeSoto counties.

“The relief you see on people’s faces as they realize their family will be able to enjoy a festive holiday meal together is palpable,” said AFFB’s President and CEO Nelle S. Miller. “I look forward to these distributions each year, knowing that the joy of the holiday season will be felt in thousands of homes in our community, thanks to the generosity of all who contribute to our ThankFULL campaign.”

This year, turkey distributions for Sarasota County residents will be held at the following locations and times: Ed Smith Stadium (2700 12th St., Sarasota) on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 4-6 p.m. in partnership with the Baltimore Orioles; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (777 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota) on Saturday, Nov. 22, 9-11 a.m.; and in South County, community members can find turkey dinners at Englewood Sports Complex (1300 S River Rd., Englewood) on Nov. 20, 9-10:30 a.m. All distributions are first-come, first-served and while supplies last. Proof of Sarasota County residency is required.

Through Thanksgiving, additional turkey distributions will take place at several of All Faiths’ mobile pantry sites as well as through numerous partner agency locations – including closed sites, like schools and youth-serving nonprofits. 

The ThankFULL campaign is made possible through the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporate partners, including the Kathleen K. Catlin Foundation of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which has championed this effort for 25 years.

“Each turkey, each meal, represents hope and kindness in action,” Miller said. “Together, we can make sure every table is full this Thanksgiving.”

To find a food distribution near you, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org and click “Food Finder.”

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.