Challenge grant will double food bank fundrasing campaign

During this year’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger, All Faiths Food Bank will benefit from a $1 million challenge match by campaign investors, the largest challenge in the history of the organization’s annual fundraising effort. 

The challenge is backed by lead investors Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Already underway, the community campaign continues through May 15. All gifts totaling up to $1 million will be doubled by the challenge benefactors.

“For students who rely on free or reduced-cost meals at school, that last school bell signals the start of three long, hungry months at home,” said All Faiths President and CEO Nelle Miller in a news release. “We are fortunate to have a community that has always stepped up to ensure that our neighbors — our children — receive the nourishment they need.”

Approximately half of Sarasota County and nearly all of DeSoto County students rely on free and reduced-cost meals at school. The campaign supports efforts to feed children during the summer months when they no longer receive those meals.

In 2023, the campaign raised more than $2 million, feeding nearly 38,000 local children. Since its inception in 2014, donors have contributed more than $16 million to the campaign.

For more information about All Faiths Food Bank or to learn more about the Campaign to End Summer Hunger, visit AllFaithsFoodBank.org or call 941-379-6333.