All Faiths Food Bank is the recent recipient of $150,000 to support its hunger relief efforts in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. The funding came in the form of two grants through the COVID-19 Response Initiative of Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

A $40,000 grant for hunger-relief services in Sarasota County included a $20,000 gift from the Truist Charitable Fund that was matched by $20,000 through the Gulf Coast and Barancik Foundation initiative. The second grant of $110,000 to fund emergency food in Sarasota and DeSoto counties included $85,000 from William G. and Marie Selby Foundation matched by $25,000 through the COVID-19 Response Initiative. These funds will support the Food Bank’s crucial work to meet increased needs as the impacts of the coronavirus hit area residents hard.

“The pandemic has created a ‘perfect storm’ as the need for food is skyrocketing at the same time our donated food supply has been sharply reduced,” said Sandra Frank, CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. “We are so grateful for this much-needed funding – it will enable us to provide more food to thousands of our neighbors facing hardship during this crisis."

With schools closed and children eligible for free or reduced-price meals unable to access them, the Food Bank has accelerated its Campaign Against Summer Hunger, partnering with the Sarasota School District to help feed children at eight area schools as well as through area Boys & Girls Clubs, Children First, Girls Inc. and Early Learning Coalition. Additionally, due to the temporary hold on consumer food donations in response to the guidelines and recommendations of public health experts, the Food Bank is stepping up the purchase of food to meet the needs of the community. Finally, with its significant volunteer corps under the stay-at-home order, staff members at all levels are now filling significant gaps in mission-critical operations – such as food sorting, packing, boxing and distribution – in addition to performing their regular duties.

The COVID-19 Response Initiative is a joint philanthropic initiative of Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to help ensure the region’s immediate and long-term well-being in the face of the pandemic. During its initial “response” phase, the foundations have focused on strengthening the health and social safety net for those who are most susceptible to the devastating impacts of COVID-19. Many donors and funding partners such as Truist Foundation and the Selby Foundation have directed gifts through the initiative to leverage additional funding and realize a greater strategic impact.

“BB&T/SunTrust, now Truist, stands ready to partner with our community businesses and organizations and face the COVID-19 challenges together,” said Mark Irwin, SVP and Market President for Manatee & Sarasota Counties, Truist. “The Truist Foundation grants, together with matching grants from Gulf Coast and Barancik Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Initiative, will help community organizations like All Faiths Food Bank address basic needs in our area and provide relief and rebuilding to those impacted.”

For those who wish to contribute much-needed funds to All Faiths Food Bank, it is important to note that the Food Bank can purchase five meals for every $1 given. To donate or to learn where and when to find upcoming food distributions, please go to www.allfaithsfoodbank.org.

Click to donate or to learn where and when to find upcoming food distributions.