Community support needed to make a difference in the fight against food insecurity
Harry Chapin Food Bank, the largest hunger relief organization and only Feeding America partner serving Southwest Florida, is calling on community members to do their part to end hunger during Hunger Action Month.
Established in 2008 by Feeding America, Hunger Action Month takes place each September and raises awareness about hunger in America and inspiring action. This annual recognition sheds light on the more than 44 million people, including 13 million children, who are food insecure in the United States.
“For too many of our neighbors, a daily meal isn’t a choice between different dishes, but a choice between food and other critical needs such as medicine, electricity or childcare,” said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. “Food shouldn’t be an impossible choice. This September during Hunger Action Month, we encourage Southwest Floridians to join our fight against hunger.”
Suncoast Credit Union will serve as the sponsor for Harry Chapin Food Bank’s Hunger Action Month activities.
Food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle, is a foremost concern in Southwest Florida. Feeding America estimates more than 177,000 individuals, including 41,000 children, are impacted throughout Lee, Collier, Charlottee, Glades and Hendry counties.
Harry Chapin Food Bank is leading the charge to combat food insecurity in Southwest Florida by feeding more than 250,000 individuals each month through an array of food distribution programs focused on children, families and seniors.
In 2023, Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed approximately 35.6 million pounds of food. That was up from the previous year, further evidence of the growing need in Southwest Florida.
Without the support of more than 170 agency partners and more than 5,000 volunteers, Harry Chapin Food Bank would not be able to fulfill its mission and meet this increased demand.
Southwest Floridians are encouraged to do their part to end hunger in their community. From hosting a food drive to volunteering at a packing event, Harry Chapin Food Bank offers community members a variety of ways to support their efforts. Additionally, a contribution of as little as $1 can provide food for two healthy meals.
“We rely heavily on the support of volunteers, our relationships with local agency partners, and the vision and openhandedness of our donors,” said LeBer. “The generous support of our community has always been vital to our work and, as the need across the region continues to grow, we know that help is more important than ever.”
To join Harry Chapin Food Bank in its fight to end hunger in Southwest Florida, visit harrychapinfoodbank.org.
About Harry Chapin Food Bank
Harry Chapin Food Bank, a Feeding America partner, is the largest hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida. The food bank rescues food that would otherwise go to waste and distributes it to children, families and seniors who are hungry through a series of food distribution programs that feed more than a quarter of a million people each month.
Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed more than $60 million worth of food in fiscal year 2023. Through our food distribution programs, Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed 35.6 million pounds of food, including 8.6 million pounds of fresh produce. The food is the equivalent of 29 million meals distributed to families who are hungry.
Our partnership with Feeding America enables us to amplify our food and distribution efforts and bring in food from various retail and grocery stores, national food producers and distributors, and growers locally, nationally and even internationally.
Harry Chapin Food Bank is proud to be named a Blueprint Partner by the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Harry Chapin Food Bank is also a United Way partner agency. For more information or to make a gift, please call 239.334.7007 or visit harrychapinfoodbank.org.
Contacts:
Ryan Uhler, Harry Chapin Food Bank, 239-334-7007 x108 (o), 239-822-9560 (c), ruhler@harrychapinfoodbank.org
Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, Jenna@GSMA.pro
Photos:
Caption: Harry Chapin Food Bank volunteers pack meal kits during a recent packing event. The Southwest Florida food bank is encouraging community members to take action this September as part of Hunger Action Month.
