All Faiths Food Bank, expanding mobile pantry distributions to food insecure populations. 

In 2023, EPSCF committed a multi-year gift to All Faiths Food Bank to enable the expansion of their mobile pantry services to food insecure populations in DeSoto County, including seniors and people of Hispanic and Haitian descent. Our dollars were leveraged to secure an additional $460,892 in 2024.

From July 2024 to June 30, 2025, the following was achieved in nine locations:

  • 263,843 pounds of food distributed including 62,003 pounds of fresh produce

  • 4,535 total household visits for 1,615 unique households

  • 3,425 individuals served

  • 144 total distributions

  • 9 bilingual nutrition education classes with 27 unique participants (88 duplicated)

The DeSoto Food and Resource Center

Beyond providing nutritious food, individuals receive benefits assistance to support overall well-being and financial sustainability. For those unable to access the All Faiths Food Bank office, appointments are offered at mobile pantry sites, at home, or other convenient locations. By addressing both immediate food insecurity and broader social determinants of health, this program is helping to build a strong foundation for families and individuals in DeSoto County.

In 2024, the Food and Resource Center (FRC) had 21,059 visits, serving 9,377 individuals. To increase accessibility, the FRC expanded the number of days of food distribution to five. Additionally, AFFB doubled their freezer and cooler space, allowing for a 50% increase in weekly food deliveries from Sarasota. Average number of households served per week increased by 87.5%. FRC programs and outcomes in 2024 include:

  • Emergency Food: migrant camps, homeless organizations, homebound individuals

  • Food Deliveries: three weekly mobile food pantries serve Haitian, Hispanic, and senior populations

  • Wraparound Services: 74 wraparound events on site, over 1,865 connections made through 12 organizations

  • Food Insecurity Screening: 16,026 screenings, 782 referrals, and 846 Food Rx bags distributed at 12 locations

  • Benefits Program: case management and assistance with SNAP, Medicaid, VITA, SOAR, and Housing Aid. Local SNAP economic impact: $5M

  • Nutrition: 3,468 individuals reached through classes and activities