All Faiths makes final push for campaign Against Summer Hunger

The All Faiths Food Bank’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger is nearing completion, and the nonprofit reports it’s close to reaching its goals. The 40-day campaign ends Saturday, the same day as “Stamp Out Hunger,” the 22nd annual National Letter Carriers Food Drive.

With the help of individuals and local organizations, the Campaign Against Summer has raised $448,538 of its $500,000 goal and 422,457 pounds of food of its 600,000-pound goal.

The food and funds raised during the campaign and letter carriers drive will help Sarasota County School District’s current summer lunch programs and support new food bank programs such as mobile pantry distribution and the BackPack Kids summer program. Fifty percent (21,000) of the children in Sarasota County participate in the free and reduced-cost school meal programs. These meals stop during the summer when school is out of session.

“The Letter Carriers Food Drive is what keeps us going through the lean summer months,” said Sandra Frank, All Faiths Food Bank CEO. “This year, as a result of the Campaign Against Summer Hunger, we anticipate more participation than ever among residents — we hope to double the totals from last year’s drive. We are so fortunate to be a recipient of the food collected by our letter carriers and live in such a caring community.”

For those interested in donating food to the Campaign Against Summer Hunger, every Goodwill and fire station in Sarasota, Venice and North Port will serve as drop-off locations. A new website,

SkipALunch.org, accepts online donations and provides additional information, including drop-off locations.

For the National Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive, residents are asked to put a bag of nonperishable food items near their mailbox for pick up May 10. The U.S. Postal Service will collect items and distribute them to local food banks — All Faiths, in Sarasota, and The Food Bank of Manatee, in Manatee County.

The Food Bank of Manatee will kick off its summer food drive, “White Out Hunger,” June 1.

Visit foodbankofmanatee.org to learn about special events and other ways you can contribute to the campaign.

MOST NEEDED ITEMS
Although local food banks appreciate all donations; certain items are more needed than others:
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Canned tuna
• Canned ham
• Canned chicken
• Beans
• Powdered milk
• Canned fruits
• Rice
• Dry beans

Contact Harriet Sokmensuer at [email protected]