As the holiday season approaches, the Harry Chapin Food Bank, a prominent figure in combatting hunger in Southwest Florida, is reaching out to the kind-hearted individuals of the community to ensure that no one goes hungry.

In Southwest Florida, the issue of food insecurity looms large. Feeding America’s statistics reveal that over 135,250 individuals in Lee, Collier, Charlottee, Glades and Hendry counties struggle to access enough food for a healthy lifestyle.

This struggle is not confined to the holiday season alone, but its impact is acutely felt during this time. Families are battling to put food on the table, facing an uphill task.

Stuart Haniff, the head honcho at Harry Chapin Food Bank, put it succinctly: “One in eight adults and one in six children in Southwest Florida do not have enough food.” The sheer number of people going to bed hungry is staggering, and it is a situation that Harry Chapin Food Bank is determined to change.

This holiday season, they are urging the community to step up and make a difference. There are numerous ways to get involved, ranging from hosting food drives to participating in packing events. Surprisingly, just $1 can provide enough food for two meals – a small price to pay for making a big impact in someone’s life.

For 40 years, Harry Chapin Food Bank has been in the trenches, providing meals for over 250,000 people monthly through various food distribution programs. In the fiscal year 2023, they distributed an impressive 35.6 million pounds of food, equating to around 71.2 million meals. Despite these efforts, the demand continues to grow.

This feat would not be achievable without the support of their 170 partner agencies across the five counties. In the same fiscal year, Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed over 24 million pounds of food through these partners, and an additional 8.4 million pounds directly to underserved communities via their Fulfill Mobile Pantry Program.

Let’s not overlook the unsung heroes – the 5,130 community members who volunteered nearly 65,000 hours in the fiscal year 2023. Their selfless contributions amount to an estimated $1.9 million worth of services.

Harry Chapin Food Bank appreciates the overwhelming support, but they remain steadfast in their mission to combat food insecurity throughout Southwest Florida. They are rallying the community to join forces with them, believing that together, they can truly make a difference.

To participate in the fight for a hunger-free holiday season, visit www.harrychapinfoodbank.org and explore ways to get involved. Let’s unite and ensure that no one has to endure the pangs of hunger this holiday season.