Pictured: Benefits Specialist Ariana Perdigon provides a community member with Food Stamp (SNAP) application assistance at the All Faiths Food Bank DeSoto FRC

Funded by six visionary donors and initiated as a pilot program in May 2019, the All Faiths Food Bank Food and Resource Center in Arcadia was created as a hub providing services as well as building partnerships with other programs. The Food and Resource Center is one of the few such locations in the nation and an innovative model for the Feeding America network. The facility is designed to be the epicenter for needed resources with wrap-around services including: needs assessments; benefit assistance for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps), Medicaid, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), Social Security and Disability; legal aid; group classes on topics including tobacco cessation, breastfeeding and more, and referrals for other social services. This year, Food Bank staff and volunteers coordinated through United Way Suncoast will offer free tax preparation as well.

Pictured: Benefits Specialist Ariana Perdigon provides a community member with Food Stamp (SNAP) application assistance at the All Faiths Food Bank DeSoto FRC