On March 24, All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) presented its signature annual event to raise awareness and funds to end child hunger: the Walk to End Summer Hunger. The Walk is the kickoff for the 11th annual Campaign Against Summer Hunger.This year's event, which took place at Nathan Benderson Park, featured a 1-mile "fun walk" and a 5K walk. The event was sold out, with 500 walkers on-site. On-site were AFFB's President and CEO Nelle S. Miller, AFFB Chair of the Board Terri Vitale, and 2024 Campaign Against Summer Hunger Chair Lisa Krouse. During the brief speaking portion of the event, Vitale announced that, while the goal for the "quiet phase" of fundraising for the challenge match was $900,000, Campaign investors had contributed $1 million in advance of the community fundraising phase, which kicks off on April 1 and runs through May 15. Registration and light breakfast by Zildjian Catering began at 7:30 a.m., the speaking program began at 8:15 a.m., then the walkers were led in calisthenics by Kourtney Kalahar of KK Active; the Walk – proudly led this year by Principal Dr. LaShawn Frost and students from Booker Middle School – began at 8:30 a.m. Nearly 50% of Sarasota County and 100% of DeSoto County students rely on free and reduced-cost meals at school. The Campaign supports efforts to feed area children during the summer months when they no longer receive those meals. AFFB estimates that more than 40,000 local kids will need food this summer. On top of an already high cost of living and growing inflation, Florida has opted out of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program, which would have provided $250 million in funding to help families in need buy food this summer. Through the food bank’s hundreds of partners and summer programs, AFFB works to make sure children receive the nutritional assistance they need. Support from investors – who contribute matching funds to inspire greater widespread giving – and the community are critical to these efforts. From April 1-May 15, the Campaign – the community’s strongest line of defense against child hunger – gratefully accepts community contributions designated toward ending hunger for local children. AFFB is thankful for lead investors Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation for helping to fund the significant challenge match, as well as the more than 300 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. In 2023, the Campaign raised over $2 million. With this support, nearly 38,000 local children received nutritious meals. Since its inception in 2014, donors have contributed more than $16 million to the Campaign. For more about All Faiths Food Bank or to learn more about the Campaign to End Summer Hunger, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941.379.6333.