Food Insecurity

Some southwest Florida schools will provide free breakfast and lunch to students by way of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision. The program applies to schools and counties with at least 25 percent of students already eligible for free meals, based on their household income. Schools and counties can opt in individually.

Project L.E.A.D. will host a food and hygiene drive at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center on July 9 from 9 am to 1 pm. Donations will benefit resource center visitors.

Nonnprofits have seen a surge in the amount of people needing their food pantry services. This is especially tough in the summer months.

Here's important background info and research to bolster news coverage of potential reductions in federal spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

One local food pantry is facing two critical issues: Hurricane season approaches and the number of people in need of food assistance is rising.

A new online platform launched by the Harry Chapin Food Bank helps area residents locate food pantries, distribution sites

One in 12 seniors in Southwest Florida experiences food insecurity. That number is a result of many factors that include inflation, expensive housing in the region, and aging-related medical expenses. Harry Chapin Food Bank’s Care and Share senior feeding program seeks to alleviate these economic pressures by giving seniors monthly free meal kits.

The need for food assistance remained vital for many in Southwest Florida in 2024 as evidenced by a more than 10 percent increase in food distribution — more than 4 million pounds — reported by the Harry Chapin Food Bank.Additionally, Chapin reported large upticks in several children-focused food distribution programs.Chapin's distribution of 39.5 million pounds of food through its Feeding Network in 2024 equates to an additional 3 million meals served to neighbors across Southwest Florida.

Funding will support states, territories, and Tribes in purchasing and distributing wholesome, locally produced food for food banks, schools, and child care facilities

The newest food benefits program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture will officially launch in the summer of 2024. The deadline for states to sign up was Jan. 1.