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All Faiths Food Bank Opens New Facility in DeSoto County Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrates the New Food and Resource Center Contact Name: Elodie McCartney Ward Contact Email: emccartney@allfaithsfoodbank.org Contact Phone Number: 9412815866 WHAT: On October 3, 2019 at 5:00pm, All Faiths Food Bank will celebrate the official opening of the new DeSoto Food and Resource Center located at 1021 E Oak Street in Arcadia. The ribbon cutting ceremony will welcome and introduce the community to the only Food and Resource Center in DeSoto and one of the few across the nation. Initiated as a pilot program in May 2019, the Food and Resource Center is a one-stop shop that provides greater access to nutritious food and builds partnerships with other services and programs in the community. Addressing rural hunger has been a key focus for All Faiths Food Bank and, over the past 15 years, it has distributed millions of meals throughout rural DeSoto County. A community assessment funded by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and its donors recommended the need for a Food Bank facility in DeSoto County. “The Food and Resource Center is the result of tremendous donor support and long-term community collaboration”, said Sandra Frank, CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. “We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to ending hunger in DeSoto County.” Since the soft opening in May 2019, the DeSoto Food and Resource Center has surpassed expectations, serving more than 1,700 clients of whom 62% have never received food before from an All Faiths distribution. Refreshments will be served following the event. The media are encouraged to attend. RSVPs are recommended through the contact below. WHEN: 5:00 p.m. Thursday October 3rd, 2019 WHERE: All Faiths Food Bank DeSoto Food and Resource Center 1021 E Oak Street Arcadia, FL 34266 CONTACT: Elodie McCartney Ward Communications Manager Direct: 941-281-5866 emccartney@allfaithsfoodbank.org About All Faiths Food Bank All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Rated 4-stars by Charity Navigator and a member of Feeding America, we provide millions of meals each year through robust programs and partnerships with charitable organizations in the community. In addition to food distribution, All Faiths Food Bank operates a roster of innovative direct service programs that not only solve the immediate problem of hunger but strive to end hunger by helping families and individuals gain long-term food security, better health outcomes and self-sufficiency. For more information visit allfaithsfoodbank.org. ###