Community Spotlight: All Faiths Food Bank

SARASOTA - All Faiths Food Bank will welcome staff from the Hyatt Regency Sarasota aboard its Sprout Mobile Farm Market distribution on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. Two distribution stops are planned, the first at Sarasota Hope House, 1872 18th St., from 10:30 a.m. to noon; and the second at The Courts, 1912 N. Orange Ave., from 1-2:30 p.m. The Sprout produce program is the first of its kind in the area, and during its 12-week pilot program, delivered fresh fruits and veggies to almost 5,000 families in Sarasota County. Now in its second week at full distribution, the new Sprout Route visits 13 neighborhoods in our community each week.

Executive Chef Kory Foltz will prepare his Shaken Chopped Salad for the Sprout tasting table that gives clients the opportunity to taste a dish prepared with fresh produce. They will then take the recipe and fresh ingredients with them to make the dish at home. Volunteers from the Hyatt will help Sprout visitors with selecting and packaging fruits and vegetables to share with their families.

Each year the Hyatt celebrates a Global Month of community service called “Hyatt Thrive,” that empowers their associates to make an impact in their own back yards. All year round the Hyatt Sarasota volunteers at All Faiths Food Bank, but in April, their service is especially helpful as the Food Bank doubles its efforts to raise food and funds for the Campaign Against Summer Hunger. During the summer, when children are more likely to face hunger than any other time of the year, All Faiths Food Bank will add additional Sprout stops to reach more families in our area.

Most of the seasonal produce is donated to All Faiths Food Bank from local retailers and farms, about 25% is purchased by the Food Bank. To help support the mobile farm market program, please donate online at allfaithsfoodbank.org, send a check to All Faiths Food Bank at 8171 Blaikie Court, Sarasota FL 34240, or call 941-379-6333.  

About All Faiths Food Bank

All Faiths Food Bank is a member of Feeding America and the hub of the hunger relief system in DeSoto and Sarasota Counties. Last year, All Faiths Food Bank distributed 7 million pounds of food equating to 5.8 million meals through 195 pantries, soup kitchens, churches, community centers and programs. Its mission is to feed those in need and educate the community about hunger and nutrition. More information about nutrition, pantries, school and other programs can be found at www.allfaithsfoodbank.org.