All Faiths Food Bank showcases tastes of summer

Convincing children to eat vegetables is a challenge for all parents. Add the uncertainty of where the next meal is coming from and that is the dilemma facing many Sarasota families during the summer months. All Faiths Food Bank expanded the summer food assistance programs to include "tasting tables" with cooking demonstrations and recipes that coincide with the food offerings. 

The first one of the summer took place at the Monday distribution at Gulf Gate Elementary School. Families lined up with boxes and bags ready to fill with perishable and non-perishable food items from the Mobile Pantry. Among the food items for families to take home were canned peas, canned chicken and boxes of macaroni and cheese. Cooking Matters Coordinator Nancy Pantano combined the ingredients for a recipe that would entice children and win over parents with nutritional value.  

"Once they see that their kids like it too they're more encouraged to try it at home for themselves," said Jenna Jones, director of nutrition education and programming at All Faiths Food Bank.

Lauri Menard sampled and enjoyed the recipe that was available Monday night as she picked up a week's worth of food that included fresh vegetables like acorn squash. She said the recipe was filling and nutritious. 

"It's a chance to be creative kind of like an episode of 'Chopped,'" Menard said. "I was leery at first because I'm not a macaroni and cheese fan. I can make that when I get home now."

In early recognition of Independence Day an additional food distribution is scheduled for June 30 from 10 a.m. to noon for veterans.  The distribution will also be dedicated to the memory of Carlos Suarez, Jr. who was recently killed and was a member of the All Faiths Food Bank team of volunteers that work with the Veteran’s Appreciation Program.

Veterans with a military ID who need food are welcome to visit All Faiths Food Bank at 8171 Blaikie Court in Sarasota on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.