FISH OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA
A volunteer at FISH of Sanibel-Captiva’s food pantry.
FISH of Sanibel-Captiva reported that its food pantry is one of the many ways neighbors help neighbors when extra support is needed.
For one local mother raising three children, that support has helped her continue providing for her family while navigating the everyday costs of work, school and raising kids. The rising cost of daily necessities can make it difficult to stretch a household budget, but she has been able to access additional support when it is needed most through the pantry and FISH’s other community events.
“Families come to us because they’re doing everything they can to keep things together for their children,” Food Programs Manager Merari Puente said.
“For a single parent with two children in Florida, the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) survival budget is roughly $75,000 a year just to cover basic necessities. When we meet a parent earning $37,000, they’re earning about half of what it actually takes to get by,” she added. “That’s the gap many hardworking families on our islands are navigating.”
FISH reported that its food pantry provides staples and personal household items to neighbors living or working on Sanibel and Captiva. The program is part of its broader mission of neighbors helping neighbors. FISH extended its thanks to the partners and community members who help keep it stocked.
Organizations like A Bit of Bailey’s, the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Jerry’s Foods, the Midwest Food Bank and The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation help to make the program possible, while service groups, religious organizations and individuals regularly hold food drives and collections.
For more information, visit www.fishofsancap.org or contact 239-472-4775.