For low-income households as well as those who have suffered financially due to the pandemic, the high cost of fruits and vegetables can make healthy eating difficult. But thanks to All Faiths Food Bank’s commitment to providing the community with high-nutrition foods, plus a generous matching gift to encourage donations during the Food Bank’s Autumn Harvest campaign, thousands of children, families, seniors and veterans in Sarasota and DeSoto County will have access to fresh fruits and vegetable through the fall.

The Rakay Family Foundation has offered up to $100,000 in 1:1 matching funds, for gifts made through September 30, for the Autumn Harvest campaign. Not only will contributions be doubled through the match, but All Faiths will also continue to maximize resources through its “food rescue” operations, where unsold produce from local farmers and grocery stores is rescued, stored in the organization’s warehouse, and then distributed through partner agencies and programs including mobile pantries. “While having access to healthy, nutritious food is always important, this time of year is especially critical for children as they return to school. They need proper nutrition in order to be able to focus in class, stay healthy, and grow to their full potential,” said All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank. “Regardless of economic status, everyone deserves access to healthy foods. And healthy eating benefits the entire community, as our neighbors enjoy improved health outcomes.”