All Faiths Food Bank Presents Annual Walk to End Summer Hunger

March 6, 2023 – Sarasota

All Faiths Food Bank is proud to present, once again, a popular event designed to raise awareness of and funds to end child hunger. On Sunday, March 26, All Faiths will present its Walk to End Summer Hunger, the kick-off for the 10th annual Campaign Against Summer Hunger, which supports efforts to feed area children when they do not have access to food at school.

Nearly 50% of Sarasota County and 100% of DeSoto County students rely on free and reduced-cost meals at school. The summer months can be especially difficult for the children of families struggling to put food on the table, as they lose access to meals as well as school pantries that provide nutritional assistance during the school year.

From April 1-May 15, All Faiths Food Bank’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger – the community’s strongest line of defense against child hunger – returns for its tenth year. The 2023 Campaign co-chairs are Clare Segall and Lisa Keverian-Press. 

Through the food bank’s partners and summer programs, All Faiths works to make sure children receive the help they need. Support from investors – who contribute matching funds – and the community are critical to these efforts.

All Faiths is grateful to lead investors Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation as well as the more than 200 community partners – including schools, libraries, early learning centers, summer camps, community centers and numerous other organizations throughout Sarasota and DeSoto counties – that help the organization reach all who might be in need.

Board chair Terri Vitale is determined to rally the community in the efforts to ensure healthy foods are available for our community’s children.

“Summertime should be the best part of the year for our community’s children; sadly, tens of thousands of area children will need food this summer,” Vitale said. “We are so fortunate to have a community that has always stepped up to ensure that our neighbors – our children – receive the nourishment they need in order to thrive. We are hoping for a strong turnout this year, especially as we recognize the tenth anniversary of the Campaign Against Summer Hunger.”

In 2022, the Campaign raised a gratifying total of $2 million. With this support, All Faiths was able to provide more than 35,000 students and siblings nearly 2.5 million nutritious meals, through 333 programs and partners. 

The walk takes place Sunday, March 26, at Nathan Benderson Park; the site opens at 7:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 8:30 a.m. Participants can choose between a one-mile “fun walk” or a 5K walk. Cost is $25/adults, $15/children; cost includes a dri-fit shirt and light breakfast. Register by March 13 at affb.org/walk.

For more information, contact Becky Wright: bwright@allfaithsfoodbank.org or 941-549-8131.