Pictured: Even before the storm makes landfall, All Faiths Food Bank is delivering water and Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) to evacuation shelters in Sarasota County and the DeSoto Food and Resource Center in Arcadia. Provided photo/AFFB.

As soon-to-be Hurricane Helene continues its track toward landfall in Florida, All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) is on the ground providing food and water to shelters, disaster relief organizations and potential storm victims in our community. As one of the lead emergency response agencies in Sarasota and the state, All Faiths Food Bank has already initiated the movement of product: Wednesday morning, AFFB drivers delivered 44,000 lbs. of emergency water and nearly 26,000 lbs. of MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat) as well as cots to all 14 evacuation shelters in Sarasota County. Delivered nearly 14,000 lbs. of disaster response supplies – including water and MREs – to AFFB’s DeSoto Food and Resource Center for potential post-storm relief. As of this (Wednesday) morning, AFFB will have two team members stationed at the Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center around-the-clock throughout the duration of the storm. Many food distributions scheduled for this week have already been canceled – community members are encouraged to visit AFFB's website, allfaithsfoodbank.org, “Food Finder” link, as well as its social media platforms for updates on additional closures and potential disaster relief efforts. All Faiths Food Bank also works with Feeding Florida and sister food banks around the state to coordinate recovery efforts, stage product, and transport food to Florida communities affected by the storm. Depending on the magnitude and location of the damage, AFFB’s fleet of trucks and its food may be deployed to other food banks in Florida. The national organization, Feeding America, will coordinate resources from around the nation to help sustain relief efforts. “Our thoughts are with those who will be affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Nelle S. Miller, president and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. “We want to reassure the community that we have been doing this for many years, and the planning for any disaster goes on year-round – not just during hurricane season. Please know that we are here to support you and are ready to respond to any needs that may arise.” At this time, AFFB plans to close its offices at 2 p.m. today and remain closed Thursday, pending storm developments and impacts. Local community support will be needed after the storm; AFFB will communicate specific needs as they are determined. If you need food or want more information about Hurricane Helene and AFFB’s hunger relief efforts, please visit allfaithsfoodbank.org.

Pictured: Even before the storm makes landfall, All Faiths Food Bank is delivering water and Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) to evacuation shelters in Sarasota County and the DeSoto Food and Resource Center in Arcadia. Provided photo/AFFB.