Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County and All Faiths Food Bank are expanding their longstanding partnership beyond Sarasota County to combat child hunger during the 8-week Summer Program at the Arcadia Boys & Girls Club in DeSoto County.
“All Faiths Food Bank implemented its summer food program in DeSoto County in 2014 with the launch of the Campaign Against Summer Hunger,” said Sandra Frank, CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. “We are pleased to expand our valued partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs to ensure children have nutritious food they need to return to school healthy, prepared and ready to succeed.”
Nearly 75 children, ages 6 to 11, will receive a nutritious snack each day and lunch each Friday, as well as, a bag with enough food to last them throughout the weekends at no cost.
“Every child at the Arcadia Boys & Girls Club depends on our organization to provide them with the resources they need to be successful,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. “Our enriching educational, recreational and developmental programs cannot fully impact children’s lives if they’re battling food insecurity.”
Children who face hunger are more likely to experience a multitude of disadvantages from struggling in school and social situations to coping with health conditions and developmental delays. Youth are more at risk of hunger during the summer months when school meal programs are not available.
“We’re thrilled to partner with All Faiths Food Bank to meet the basic needs of Arcadia’s future leaders just like we do at our five Boys & Girls Club locations in Sarasota County,” said Sadlo. “Together, we’re ensuring these Club members have the energy they need to learn, play and grow into their full potential.”
The organization is also able to provide free meals to Arcadia Boys & Girls Club members Monday through Thursday thanks to a partnership with the DeSoto County Schools Food Service Department.
For more information about the Arcadia Boys & Girls Club, visit bgcsarasota.com.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA COUNTY: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County has been a leading youth-serving organization in Sarasota County and its surrounding area since 1970 and provides enriching after-school and summer programs to thousands of youth, ages 6 to 18, in Sarasota, Venice, North Port and Arcadia. The organization’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need services the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The programs are designed to empower youth to excel in school, become leaders, adopt healthy habits and create plans for success after high school graduation. For more information, visit bgcsarasota.com or call 941-366-3911.
ABOUT ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK: All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Rated 4-stars by Charity Navigator and a member of Feeding America, we provide millions of meals each year through robust programs and partnerships with charitable organizations in the community. In addition to food distribution, All Faiths Food Bank operates a roster of innovative direct service programs that not only solve the immediate problem of hunger but strive to end hunger by helping families and individuals gain long-term food security, better health outcomes and self-sufficiency. For more information visit www.allfaithsfoodbank.org.
