Publix Charities grants to support hunger relief efforts in Sarasota and Arcadia

In an effort to address hunger in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, Publix Super Markets Charities has awarded two significant grants to All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB). A contribution of $195,000 will support the purchase and branding of a refrigerated box truck that will support a new approach to AFFB’s Mobile Pantry program; a second grant of $150,000 will address food insecurity in targeted areas through the organization’s Mobile Pantry Program.

The Mobile Pantry program helps to strengthen food security, providing thousands of neighbors in our community with reliable, nutritious meals. Last year, the food bank held or supplied food for 725 food distributions each month, totaling more than 20 million meals shared with over 80,000 neighbors.

The grants from Publix Charities will also help to purchase and wrap a 26-foot refrigerated truck. In 2026, All Faiths will be taking a new approach in areas of particularly high need, where residents are impacted by poverty, a lack of access to healthy foods, scheduling issues with regular mobile pantry hours and transportation. All Faiths is exploring partnerships with existing agencies to create community food centers where residents can “shop” supermarket style and access career services and benefits assistance. The new truck will help to keep these centers stocked.

“We are honored and grateful to Publix Super Markets Charities for these generous grants, which will enable us to offer an innovative solution to food insecurity in targeted areas of need,” said Nelle S. Miller, president and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. “Once fine-tuned, this model can be replicated in other communities where the need continues to increase and many neighbors encounter barriers that keep them from accessing healthy food.”

To learn more about All Faiths Food Bank, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941-379-6333.

About All Faiths Food Bank
All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, providing millions of meals each year in collaboration with more than 300 agencies and programs throughout the community. All Faiths works not only to end hunger today, but also strives to end hunger – forever – by helping families and individuals gain long-term food security, enjoy better health outcomes, and achieve self-sufficiency. All Faiths is rated four stars by Charity Navigator and is a partner of the Feeding America and Feeding Florida networks. Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org.