As Food Stamp Emergency Funds Expire, Community Pantries Seek Help

March 20, 2023 – Sarasota

During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the federal government approved extra emergency funds to help low-income families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In February, those funds dried up. Many households had come to rely on the emergency allotments, as food, housing, and other costs have soared in the past few years.

Now, families must often decide whether to put food on the table or refill their prescriptions.

To help, households with enough to share are encouraged to donate through the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program. All funds are distributed to food pantries in Sarasota and Manatee counties. 

Cash gifts are especially appreciated. The donations help buy gift cards, which allow recipients to shop for food they like and know how to prepare. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to help meet the immediate need.

Donations can be made online, by text, by check, or in person.

* To donate online, go to www.mayorsfeedthehungry.org.

* To donate by text, Text the word GIVE to 941.275.2032.

* To donate by mail, send a check to Mayors’ Feed the Hungry, P.O. Box 1992, Sarasota, FL

34230.