Community Spotlight: All Faiths Food Bank Says Turkey Dinners at All-Time High for Requests

SARASOTA – All Faiths Food Bank provides thousands of frozen turkeys with trimmings each year for local families who may otherwise go without Thanksgiving dinner. Working with a network of partner agencies that includes churches, soup kitchens, pantries, and community centers, this year’s needs are at an all-time high.

“The number of turkey dinner requests have increased by an amazing 40%,” said Scott Malcom, Chief Operating Officer at All Faiths Food Bank. “With recent reductions in government food assistance programs, we are working harder than ever to make sure that families who count on us and our partner agencies get to enjoy Thanksgiving.”

The funds to purchase the turkeys are donated by generous members of the community, as well as local charitable foundations. A $100 donation provides Thanksgiving dinner with sides for five families in need. To date, All Faiths Food Bank has received requests for 8,500 turkey dinners, and more orders are expected before the order deadline date.

“Once again we are counting on our generous community to help us so make sure no family goes without this year,” said Sandra Frank, All Faiths Food Bank Executive Director, “Hunger knows no season. Every gift provides hope and a warm meal to those who need it most.”

Besides the turkey dinner distribution at All Faiths Food Bank, its network of over 100 agencies will receive dinners for their clients in need. Partner agencies like The Salvation Army, who serve their clients year-round with food from All Faiths, will receive a special delivery for the holiday. All Faiths Food Bank will provide enough turkeys, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, The Salvation Army will prepare a warm Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings to 850-1,000 community and program residents. In addition, they are slated to distribute hundreds of special Turkey Baskets to local families in need. Several Sarasota and DeSoto County schools will also give away Thanksgiving dinners to the students and their families who count on food through other Food Bank programs during the school year.

Individuals and groups that need turkeys should call the United Way 2-1-1 to sign up for a turkey distribution site. 

There are several ways to help provide frozen turkeys for Thanksgiving to families in need: securely online at www.allfaithsfoodbank.org; by check to All Faiths Food Bank at 8171 Blaikie Court, Sarasota FL 34240; or by calling 941-379-6333 with charge card information.   

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 6.2 million pounds of food equating to 5.2 million meals through 195 partner agencies and programs. Its mission is to feed those in need and educate the community about hunger and nutrition. More information about nutrition, mobile pantries, school and other programs can be found at www.allfaithsfoodbank.org.