Pilot Program Success Leads to Rollout of Three New Food Pantries

December 20, 2024 | Sarasota

A hurricane relief pilot program recently launched by All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) and Children First has been permanently implemented, providing consistent access to healthy food for 300 local families experiencing or facing hunger.

Established in October as a pilot program after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, AFFB provides food for the grocery-style pantries – offered twice-monthly to families of students enrolled at Children First and its employees at three locations in Sarasota and North Port.

“Our partnership with All Faiths Food Bank further strengthens our critical support network for the children and families we serve,” said Philip Tavill, CEO of Children First. “Access to fresh, nutritious food is essential for our community’s most vulnerable children to grow, learn, and thrive, and for their families to build a foundation for a healthier future.”

Children First is ranked in the top 1% of all Head Start programs nationwide. Early Head Start and Head Start services are for families who live at or below the federal poverty level, although families may still be eligible for its services based on other criteria, such as a child with a diagnosed disability. The mission of Children First is to strengthen children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health and well-being.

This collaboration highlights AFFB’s commitment to finding and connecting neighbors in need to food, benefits services, nutrition education and case management.

“Growing children need and deserve access to good nutrition. In early childhood, healthy foods are especially critical to support children’s rapid growth and development through infancy and the toddler years,” said Nelle S. Miller, president and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. “Through our own distributions, along with hundreds of agency partners and programs, children and their families are able to receive the help they need. We look forward to nurturing and expanding our collaboration with Children First in the coming years.”

To learn more about All Faiths Food Bank, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941-379-6333.