September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action. Hard as it may be to believe, hunger affects thousands of people in our community, and it's closer than you might think. "Living in a beautiful community like ours, it’s easy to overlook the harsh reality that many among us face. Nearly 200,000 of our neighbors experience food insecurity every day," said Nelle S. Miller, President and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. "Hunger is not a distant issue—it’s right here at home, perhaps even just a house away."

In Sarasota County, where many families are already struggling financially, the summer months present an additional strain on their resources, exacerbated by rising food costs and cuts in essential support programs. More than half of all county students rely on free and reduced-cost meals at school for the nutrition assistance they need to grow, learn and dream. This summer's ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) Report, released by United Way Suncoast, shows that one-third of working households in Sarasota-Manatee are living paycheck-to-paycheck.And since 2022, food prices have jumped more than 17%, while wages have stagnated. During summer months, Students no longer have access or have reduced access to free and reduced-cost meals at school.  And unfortunately, for the second year in a row, our state has opted out of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (Summer EBT), which would have provided much-needed funds for struggling families to buy groceries. Additionally, for families that haven't applied or don't qualify for the National School Lunch Program, the cost of school meals in Sarasota County Schools has increased 20% for the 2024-2025 school year, with lunches rising to $3.75 in middle and high school, and $2.25 for breakfast.

Last year, nearly 70,000 community members came to All Faiths Food Bank for help and the nonprofit provided more than 18 million meals in 2023. "Here in our community, people are striving to build better lives for themselves and their families, yet they are caught in an economic squeeze that makes it impossible to meet even the most basic needs," Miller said. "These aren't strangers–they’re our nurses, teachers, security guards and truck drivers."

Miller urges the community to join All Faiths Food Bank as it works to end hunger, whether through donations, volunteering or fundraising. "Together, we can deliver the promise of a community where no one goes hungry."

Become a hunger hero by supporting All Faiths Food Bank’s upcoming signature events: Autumn Harvest Dinner on October 5, and their biggest community events, Bowls of Hope, November 10, and Friends FULL of Giving on November 15.  

Pictured: Kyle, a young volunteer, during the large-scale turkey distribution at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in November 2023. Photo by Nancy Guth.

The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) is pleased to announce the hiring of Kate Mulligan as its executive director. Mulligan begins her new role on September 3. Mark Clark, board chair of LWRCF, said “The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is delighted that Kate has accepted the position of executive director. Her passion for people and for the vision and mission of the organization was clear throughout the hiring process. She is already a key player in the community, and we are excited for our future with Kate’s leadership. Her qualifications are matched equally with her desire to make a lasting impact in the region.” Most recently, Mulligan was the general manager for ensembleNEWSRQ, where she managed all administrative aspects of the organization’s concert series and their fundraising events. Prior to that, she was the executive director of Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey and of Trenton Children’s Chorus, also in New Jersey. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music and nonprofit management from Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and a master’s degree in business administration from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  Mulligan stated, “I am thrilled to lead an organization that has such a positive effect on the Lakewood Ranch community by helping local nonprofits achieve their missions. It is an amazing opportunity. I want to Open the Door… to the Lakewood Ranch community to help amplify the impact of their giving, and to local nonprofits so that they can more effectively achieve their missions.”  Mulligan’s goals for her first 90 days are to strengthen existing partnerships with donors, nonprofits, and members of the community; increase awareness and donations through events and sponsorships; and enact the board of director’s plan for growth and continued sustainability for the future. For more information about the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, visit www.LWRCF.org or call 941-208-6799.  

Child Protection Center is thrilled to announce their second annual Children's Cup Golf Tournament!Last year's inaugural tournament sold out and is highly likely to sell out again this year, so we encourage you to reserve your sponsorships and teams early. This incredible morning will be spent on the beautiful course at Laurel Oak Country Club with 100% of proceeds benefitting CPC’s Campus of Healing in North Port. Foursomes and sponsorships available now – follow the link below to book your spot on the green while there's still availability!

To learn more, visit.

Reichbach Center, a national center for the treatment of  chronic pain and mental health disorders, has a message to spread this month: Suicide is a  preventable tragedy, and there is hope. Effective interventions and support are available to those  in crisis. Those seeking treatment for mental health needs and caregivers are encouraged to call  941-213-4444 to learn about their options or be seen at 2415 University Parkway, Building 3,  Suite 215.  

To learn more, visit.

One of a fewer than 10 female insurance company CEOs, Cina Welch led her company to a milestone of $1 billion in direct written premiums in 2022 while advocating for many local charities in our community, September 2024. 

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