Pictured: Members of All Faiths Food Bank. Photo by Noah Magnifico.

On March 10th SRQ Media recognized five local nonprofits who have leaned into change, particularly after an extremely challenging year, at the SB2 Transformation in Philanthropy luncheon and panel discussion. The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota where all parties were thrilled to be gathered together in person. The Change Agents in Philanthropy Awards focus on the capacity of the independent sector to be innovative in the face of change in fundraising, donor cultivation and development, mission, programming, branding and visibility and operations. We are pleased to highlight each of the nonprofit groups recognized at the luncheon as part of our Wednesday Philanthropy edition.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is felt through many facets of communities across the country. As income has been reduced while the cost of nearly everything else has risen, the issue of food insecurity is more prevalent than ever. This rendered the services of All Faiths Food Bank, the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, absolutely vital. Despite the drastic decline of on-location workforces, Closing the Food Bank was never an option - those who already struggled with food insecurity found themselves in a crisis and even families who’d never been in need of the Food Bank’s services, found themselves needing a helping hand. According to CEO Sandra Frank, “The pandemic brought hunger out of the shadows and everyone felt the panic. It leveled the playing field and raised awareness in our community.”

All Faiths Food Bank has dedicated themselves to preventing future hunger insecurity - not just the current struggles our communities face. They are doing so by trying to address the root of food insecurity - poverty. The Food Bank is helping community members apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as well partnering with the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation to increase affordable health and dental coverage. The Food Bank is also working with other healthcare providers and non profits to screen families for hunger - and provide immediate on-site nutritional benefits to families that are deemed food-insecure

Pictured: Members of All Faiths Food Bank. Photo by Noah Magnifico.