Community Spotlight: Veterans Appreciation Program Provides Food for Local Vets

SARASOTA – All Faiths Food Bank recently initiated a food distribution at its Sarasota location as part of the Veterans Appreciation Program. The program serves veterans of the United States Armed Forces in partnership with 150 local veterans’ programs. Every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., staff and volunteers set up curbside at All Faiths Food Bank parking lot. A box with a week’s worth of nonperishable food is provided to each veteran that stops by.

 Food Bank volunteer and Army veteran Paul Esper helps promote the weekly distribution and sets up food and boxes each week. “It was easy to say that I wanted to help my fellow veterans. Now I can to put those words into action. Many of them need our support and I am very proud to be a part it all.”

According to the 2011 US Census Bureau, there are more than 40,000 veterans living in Sarasota County. More than third of them live with a disability or below poverty level. All Faiths Food Bank is proud to provide nutritional support to any US Veteran in need, and subsidizes this program 100%. There is no cost to the US Department of Veterans Affairs for food or delivery.

“This is an excellent program,” said Viet Nam Army veteran Roger Aitchinson. “It’s hard on those of us who are disabled. These people are angels.”

To receive food, veterans are invited to come to All Faiths Food Bank with their veteran ID card at 8171 Blaikie Court, Sarasota, on Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. To make a food or fund donation call 941-379-6333 or visit www.allfaithsfoodbank.org.

About All Faiths Food Bank

All Faiths Food Bank is the hub of the hunger relief system in DeSoto and Sarasota Counties. Last year, All Faiths Food Bank distributed nearly 6 million pounds of food equating to 5 million meals through 180 partner agencies and programs. The mission is to feed those in need and educate the community about the issues of hunger and nutrition. More information about our distribution, education, or Mobile Pantry programs, visit www.allfaithsfoodbank.org.