Harry Chapin Food Bank is a resource families can use for affordable meals. -COURTESY PHOTO
September is Hunger Action Month, a time to shine a light on an issue that affects every community across Southwest Florida. Recent data from Feeding America shows that today, one in seven people and one in five children experience food insecurity. Nearly 300,000 neighbors rely on Harry Chapin Food Bank each month for nutritious food. Our mission serves Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties, where hunger impacts communities large and small.
Those numbers represent children, seniors, veterans, working families and individuals facing unexpected hardships. As our region continues to grow, so does the demand for food assistance. In recent months, we have experienced some of the highest distribution volumes in our organization’s history, underscoring that the need remains urgent and that food insecurity continues to affect families throughout Southwest Florida.
This year, Harry Chapin Food Bank reached an extraordinary milestone by distributing its 500 millionth pound of food since opening its doors in 1983. That achievement reflects more than four decades of partnership with volunteers, donors, businesses, community organizations and supporters who have helped ensure neighbors have access to nutritious food when they need it most.
While we are proud of what that achievement represents, we recognize that the need will continue to grow. Based on current projections, Harry Chapin Food Bank expects to distribute 100 million pounds of food annually by 2050, making investments today that will help meet tomorrow’s demand.
That preparation is already underway. Later this year, we will begin operations at the Hunger Action Center in Fort Myers, a 110,000-square-foot facility that will nearly double our annual distribution capacity. Looking ahead, plans are also moving forward for a new Naples distribution center, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and the facility anticipated to open in 2028. Together, these investments will help ensure Harry Chapin Food Bank is prepared to meet the growing need for food assistance across Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties for decades to come.
None of this is possible without the support of our community. Every volunteer, donor, food drive, corporate partner and advocate plays an important role in helping feed our neighbors. During Hunger Action Month, we invite everyone to be part of the solution by volunteering, making a financial contribution, organizing a food drive or helping raise awareness about food insecurity in Southwest Florida.
Jennifer Denike -COURTESY PHOTO
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, ways to give, or how to find food assistance, visit HarryChapinFoodBank.org. The Harry Chapin Food Bank Collier County Center is located at 3940 Prospect Ave., Unit 101, Naples, phone (239) 334-7007, with hours of operation including Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To find mobile pantry distributions or partner agency locations near your specific address or ZIP code, visit the official Harry Chapin Food Bank Food Locator, harrychapinfoodbank.org/food-locator/.
About the Author
Jennifer Denike is chief development officer for Harry Chapin Food Bank, the region’s largest hunger-relief organization and only Feeding America partner.