In 2025, FISH of Sanibel-Captiva continued to show what is possible when a community comes together with commitment, heart, and a shared belief that neighbors help neighbors.
It reported that it distributed more than 294,000 pounds of food through nearly 6,900 food pantry visits, helping ensure island neighbors had access to nutritious meals during times of uncertainty, SNAP benefit reductions and rising costs.
A total of 281 volunteers gave 5,460 hours of their time, equaling an estimated $180,000 in donated service. From packing food and preparing meals to making reassurance calls and supporting recovery efforts, they multiplied the impact of every donor dollar.
Those combined efforts supported 5,304 instances of case management, helping neighbors navigate everything from financial hardship to recovery planning and next steps toward stability. In addition, FISH provided 337 instances of direct financial assistance.
Senior services remained a key service area of work in 2025, with 1,138 reassurance calls made to island seniors and 625 Friendly Faces lunches served.
“Every number represents a person, a family, or a moment when someone needed help and found it,” Executive Director Maria Espinoza said. “Our donors and volunteers make that possible. Their generosity doesn’t just meet immediate needs — it helps people become stable again and move forward with confidence.”
More than 85% of every dollar invested in FISH goes directly to programs and services, ensuring that community support translates into assistance where it matters most.
FISH extended its deepest gratitude to the donors, grantors, volunteers and community partners who stood with the organization throughout 2025. Their generosity filled gaps, removed obstacles and strengthened the safety net for neighbors across Sanibel and Captiva.
For more information, visit www.fishofsancap.org or call 239-472-4775.