Pictured: Children and families in Sarasota and DeSoto counties receive nutritional assistance at 30 school pantries located throughout the region Provided photo/AFFB.

September is Hunger Action Month, an observance that unites millions to raise awareness and provide nutritious food to neighbors facing hunger. We know that, by working together, we can make a difference to ensure everyone has the food and support they need. But hardworking people continue to struggle as rising grocery costs, tariffs and government policy decisions impact families across Sarasota and DeSoto counties.

With this summer’s passage of the budget reconciliation bill, the U.S. has seen the most significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid in a generation. These changes are more than budget line items — they represent real consequences for real people. For millions of children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities across the country – including right here in our community — this bill means less food, less access to health care and more uncertainty at a time when families are already doing all they can to get by.

As the above policy decisions begin to have real-world impacts, we are seeing significant increases in need throughout the region. Seniors and working families who are already stretched thin by rising costs are now facing even tougher choices about whether to pay for food, housing, medicine or utilities. We are seeing this play out on the front lines: between January and August, there has been a more than 22% increase in the number of people seeking assistance from All Faiths Food Bank compared to last year.

Children are suffering, too. Recent SNAP changes mean students who were eligible for free or reduced-cost school meals will no longer be automatically re-enrolled for the next school year — and thousands will lose their benefits entirely.

We are working to address child hunger through our 30 school pantries, which distribute fresh produce from local farms, dairy, meat and pantry staples to ensure children and their families have access to nutritious food throughout the year. But we can’t do it alone.

The best way to support All Faiths Food Bank is through monetary donations: 92 cents of every dollar goes directly toward hunger relief.

Our work also requires year-round help from volunteers. Volunteering at All Faiths Food Bank isn’t just about sorting or distributing food — though those tasks are crucial. It’s about restoring dignity to someone who may not know where their next meal is coming from. It’s about building a stronger, more compassionate community. It’s about standing up in the face of policies and politics that often leave our most vulnerable neighbors behind. Last year, more than 3,000 volunteers gave over 54,000 hours to help feed our community.

Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org to learn more and see how you can be a “Hunger Hero.” Your time and donations are gifts that help ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

Nelle S. Miller is the President and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank.

Pictured: Children and families in Sarasota and DeSoto counties receive nutritional assistance at 30 school pantries located throughout the region Provided photo/AFFB.