All Faiths Food Bank Kicks Off Holiday Turkey Distribution Effort

November 11, 2020 – Sarasota

In response to increased need and in order to brighten the holidays for community members who are struggling, All Faiths Food Bank will distribute thousands of turkeys and side dishes to those who are facing hunger with multiple distributions through November 24. With the funding provided by generous donors to the ongoing ThankFULL campaign as well as a $36,000 grant from the Kathleen K. Catlin Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, All Faiths hopes to provide 9,000 turkeys and 4 million meals to feed children, families, veterans and seniors this holiday season.

The turkey distributions kicked off on November 7 with an event hosted by The Bay Park Conservancy and Van Wezel. Cars started lining up well before 8 a.m.; All Faiths distributed just over 700 turkeys (with side dishes as well as lovely bouquets of flowers to brighten everyone’s day). Recipients came primarily by car but there were some on bikes and others on foot. All were grateful for the help in these challenging times.

Further turkey distributions are scheduled for central Sarasota (Ed Smith Stadium), Venice (Trinity Presbyterian Church), North Port (City Hall), and Arcadia (Nocatee Truck Stop), and through All Faiths’ partner agencies, including school pantries, youth-serving nonprofit organizations, and mobile pantry sites. To find a list of locations, dates and times, go to All Faiths’ website, on the “Food Finder” page.

For many years, All Faiths Food Bank has worked to brighten the holidays for those who struggle to put food on the table. This year, with the need significantly increased due to the financial impact of the pandemic, there are likely to be even more empty plates. The coronavirus has caused an unprecedented spike in need for food assistance: since mid-March, the Food Bank has seen a 120% increase in food distribution and a 45% increase in new clients at mobile pantry distributions.

All Faiths Food Bank provides nutritious food throughout the year as well as during the holiday season through its school pantries, mobile farm market, mobile pantries, backpack and nutrition education programs, and hundreds of partner agencies. To donate or to learn where and when to find upcoming food distributions, please go to allfaithsfoodbank.org.