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Sarasota, FL – All Faiths Food Bank’s Chief of Operations, John Livingston was recently selected to participate in Feeding America’s Disaster Task Force, a new initiative involving food bank experts, FEMA, USDA, and other federal partners. The Task Force will serve to recommend consistent expectations and improve disaster efforts and support for the 200 food banks that are part of Feeding America’s network. All Faiths Food Bank is one of the lead emergency response organizations in Sarasota and the State of Florida and supports disaster relief efforts through membership in Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Sarasota County Community Organizations Active in Disaster, Florida Emergency Preparedness Association, Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center, and Feeding Florida Disaster Strike Team. Livingston has a breadth of experience when it comes to disaster response and relief, and already serves as a member of the Feeding Florida Disaster Strike Team, Chairs the Sarasota COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) and is a member of the MB VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). “I look forward to being part of the Feeding America Disaster Task Force and helping our network food banks advance and improve our collective ability to respond and support disaster relief. My experience over the years allows me to support other food bank and communities when responding in these tough situations. I’m honored to represent All Faiths Food Bank and the Sarasota community,” said COO, John Livingston. Last year Livingston played a key role in local and state relief efforts for Hurricane Irma, as well as helping with relief efforts for Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Hermine and Matthew in previous years. Last month, Livingston was also deployed to North Carolina for two weeks to lead operations following Hurricane Florence. Currently, he is supporting response activities following Hurricane Michael. “Disaster response is a core part of our mission and the food bank will always be here, ready to provide the helped needed to both our community and sister food banks. We are very grateful to have such an incredible team on board with the experience and skill set needed to lead in times of disaster.” said CEO Sandra Frank. About All Faiths Food Bank All Faiths Food Bank, awarded a consecutive 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, is a member of Feeding America, the hub of hunger relief in Sarasota and DeSoto counties and serves more than 66,000 neighbors in need through its member network that includes human services organizations, schools, faith-based and secular organizations, and other groups that serve the community. Programs include the Mobile Farm Market, which brings fresh produce to clients, Mobile Pantries, which delivers groceries to areas of highest need, the BackPack Program, ensuring students have food over weekends and holidays, School Pantries, the Campaign Against Summer Hunger, raising food and funds to feed children all summer long, and Cooking Matters, a six-week series of hands-on cooking, shopping and nutrition education classes for kids, adults and seniors. All Faiths Food Bank engages partners who nourish young minds and bodies, including the School District, libraries, the Jewish Federation of Sarasota County and child-centric organizations such as the YMCA, Eagle Academy, and the Boys and Girls Clubs. Last year, All Faiths Food Bank distributed 10.2 million pounds of food equating to 8.5 million meals through 188 pantries, soup kitchens, churches, community centers, schools, and programs. Mission: Together with our partners, we provide healthy solutions to end hunger in our community. For more information, call 941-379-6333 or visit www.allfaithsfoodbank.org. ###