Campaign gets moving at Walk to End Summer Hunger

All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank said residents of Sarasota are often surprised to learn the high levels at which hunger occurs in the community. Frank said about 50% of children in Sarasota lack access to food during the summer months.

“It’s a shocking number — almost half of kids,” she said. “Looking out over the gorgeous day, it’s hard to realize almost half of the kids in schools, need free and reduced-price lunches.”

This is why it was important for the food bank to launch the 10th anniversary of its Campaign Against Summer Hunger, which lasts from April 1 to May 15, with an event that would draw in many members of the community.

The food bank once again hosted its Walk to End Summer Hunger at Nathan Benderson Park on Sunday, which included a complimentary breakfast and the options of a 1-mile and a 5K walk.

Chief Development Officer Denise Cotler said last year, as a result of the campaign, the bank was able to feed over 35,000 children over the summer and hopes to do so again. A matching challenge for $900,000 announced at the walk will help contribute toward that goal.

Attendees said they were there for the cause, as well as the experience and community offered by the walk.

“Sarasota is one of the richest areas. It’s a shame that anyone should have to go hungry,” said Peggy Jendreski. “It breaks my heart.”

Barbara Kaminsky said as a result of working at Ashton Elementary, she sees a high number of children who are on free or reduced lunches, which encouraged her to come to the walk for a second time. 

Nancee Niemiec praised the whole experience. 

“It was my first time, and won’t be my last,” she said. “I would definitely support this again.”

She said the breakfast items on offer were “delicious,” while her fellow attendees were “very, very nice.”