FORT MYERS — Harry Chapin Food Bank, the largest hunger relief organization in Southwest Florida, is asking Southwest Floridians to do their part to ensure no person goes hungry this holiday season.

Food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle, is a foremost concern in Southwest Florida. Feeding America estimates more than 135,250 people are impacted throughout Lee, Collier, Charlottee, Glades and Hendry counties.

Although the need is prevalent throughout Southwest Florida all year long, the holidays can be especially challenging for families struggling to put food on their tables.

“The harsh reality is that one in eight adults and one in six children in Southwest Florida are food insecure,” said Stuart Haniff, the chief development officer at Harry Chapin Food Bank. “It is our fundamental belief that no one should ever have to go hungry, and this holiday season we need Southwest Florida’s support to ensure our neighbors in need have continuous access to fresh and nutritious food.”

This holiday season, there are several ways for community members to become involved. From food drives to packing events, Harry Chapin Food Bank offers community members a variety of ways to support their efforts. Furthermore, a contribution of as little as $1 can provide enough food for two healthy meals.

Now in its 40th year, Harry Chapin Food Bank feeds more than 250,000 people each month through an array of food distribution programs.

In fiscal year 2023, Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed approximately 35.6 million pounds of food, or nearly 71.2 million meals to Southwest Floridians in need. That’s an increase from the prior year, furthering evidence of the growing need in Southwest Florida.

Harry Chapin Food Bank would not be able to fulfill its mission without the support of the 170 partner agencies throughout its five-county region. Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed more than 24 million pounds of food through partner agencies in fiscal year 2023. The food bank also distributed more than 8.4 pounds of food to underserved communities through its Fulfill Mobile Pantry Program.

Additionally, more than 5,130 community members volunteered a combined 64,961 hours in fiscal year 2023. These volunteer service hours equate to approximately $1.9 million in in-kind services.

“We are grateful for our dedicated volunteers and trusted partners who support our mission of ending hunger in Southwest Florida. The need throughout our community is great, but we are confident that the generosity, kindness, and caring of our supporters is even greater. Together we can make a monumental difference,” said Haniff. “During this season of giving, we ask for our community’s support to please help us combat food insecurity throughout Southwest Florida.”

To join Harry Chapin Food Bank in its mission for a hunger free holiday, visit www.harrychapinfoodbank.org.

About Harry Chapin Food Bank

Harry Chapin Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, is the largest hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida. The food bank rescues food that would otherwise go to waste and distributes it to children, families, and seniors who are hungry through a series of food distribution programs that feed more than a quarter of a million people each month.

Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed $61.5 million worth of food in fiscal year 2022. Through our food distribution programs, we supplied 34.7 million pounds of food and other grocery items, including 12 million pounds of fresh produce. The food is the equivalent of 29 million meals distributed to those who are hungry.

Our membership with Feeding America enables us to amplify our food and distribution efforts and bring in food from various retail and grocery stores, national food producers and distributors, and growers locally, nationally, and even internationally.

Harry Chapin Food Bank is proud to be named a Blueprint Partner by the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Harry Chapin Food Bank is also a United Way partner agency. For more information or to make a gift, please call 239-334-7007 or visit www.harrychapinfoodbank.org.