Photo courtesy of All Faiths Food Bank.

Ensuring each and every member of our community has access to nutritious food has never been more critical. Recent federal spending cuts threaten to compromise access to government funding and food assistance programs – putting our most vulnerable neighbors at an even greater risk.

As All Faiths Food Bank’s president and CEO, I am deeply concerned about what these changes would mean for hard-working people, families, seniors, veterans – and especially children – who rely on us for daily nourishment.

One of the most pressing concerns is the future of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding. Further cuts to this critical funding will leave millions without access to the food they depend on. At the same time, proposed reductions to school meal programs could make it even harder for children to get the nutrition they need to grow, learn and thrive. With summer approaching, when school lunches are no longer a daily guarantee, these proposed changes could have devastating consequences for countless kids in our community.

That’s why we must be proactive. With our community’s support, All Faiths Food Bank has worked tirelessly for 36 years to ensure no one in Sarasota and DeSoto counties goes hungry.

But now, more than ever, we need your help. As government resources become more uncertain, our food bank will rely even more on the generosity of partners, volunteers and individual donors to fill the gap and help keep our shelves stocked and programs running. Whether it’s through financial contributions, volunteer hours, or raising awareness, every effort makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

No one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. Together, we can ensure that even in these uncertain times, our community remains strong, supported and well-fed.

We stand ready and committed to our work – but we cannot do it alone. Please, join us.

Nelle S. Miller is the president & CEO of All Faiths Food Bank.

Photo courtesy of All Faiths Food Bank.