Pictured: All Faiths Food Bank volunteer Stacy Hanan during a recent food distribution Photo by Harry Sayer.

At All Faiths Food Bank, we have always relied on the compassion, time and energy of our volunteers. They are the lifeblood of our operations and the heart of our mission to end hunger in our community. But this summer, the need for volunteer support is more urgent than ever.

Recent cuts to federal nutrition programs and challenging state-level policy decisions have left significant gaps in the safety net that many local families rely on. From reductions in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to delays and barriers in accessing summer meal programs for children, we are seeing a sharp and distressing rise in the number of people turning to the food bank for help.

Already, our food distributions are increasing, and summer hasn’t even begun. With schools closing soon, tens of thousands of children in our area will lose access to free and reduced-price meals — often their most reliable source of nutrition. Meanwhile, 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.

Our dedicated team works tirelessly to meet these needs, but we cannot do it alone. Volunteers are essential to our mission. We understand that summer is a time when many people travel, and our usual volunteer base shrinks. But hunger doesn’t take a vacation. From May through September, we will need at least 800 volunteers to fill approximately 12,000 hours at mobile pantries and other food distribution events. 

That’s why we’re asking you to become a “Hunger Hero” this summer.

Much of the volunteer work needed over the coming months involves helping at our outdoor mobile food pantries in the sweltering Florida heat. We know it’s not easy work. But for those who step up, the reward is immeasurable: knowing you helped feed a child, a senior or a struggling family during one of the hardest times of the year.

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. We are deeply grateful — but we must do more.

If you have the time and the heart to help — even just once — we urge you to sign up. Whether you're a student looking to make a difference, a retiree with a few extra hours, or a business group seeking to give back, your service matters.

Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org/volunteer to learn more and sign up. Your time is a gift that helps ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

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

Pictured: All Faiths Food Bank volunteer Stacy Hanan during a recent food distribution Photo by Harry Sayer.