All Faiths Food Bank has announced its signature event to raise awareness of child hunger and launch its annual fundraising effort to feed students over the summer. On Saturday, March 28, All Faiths will present its Walk to End Summer Hunger – the kickoff for the 13th annual Campaign Against Summer Hunger – at a new location: Riverview High School (1 Ram Way, Sarasota). Tickets are now on sale. 

For thousands of local school children, the final bell of the school year signals the end of reliable daily nutrition. In the current school year, approximately 43% – more than 19,000 – of students in Sarasota County and 100% of DeSoto County students are eligible for free and reduced-cost meals at school; when school ends, hunger begins. The Campaign Against Summer Hunger supports efforts to provide food for area children throughout the summer months.

Too many of our neighbors are facing stringent economic challenges, like rising grocery and health insurance costs, and significant cuts to federal assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid. For those already in food insecure households, the increasing financial stresses are pushing additional families toward hunger.

Through the food bank’s partners and summer programs, the organization works to make sure children receive the nutritional assistance they need. Support from investors provides matching funds to inspire greater widespread giving; then, from April 1-May 15, the Campaign accepts community contributions designated toward ending hunger for local children. 

All Faiths is thankful for lead investors Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation for continuing to help fund the significant challenge match since its inception in 2014, as well as the hundreds of community partners – including schools, libraries, early learning centers, summer camps, community centers and numerous other organizations throughout Sarasota and DeSoto counties – that help the organization reach all who might be in need.

This year, the chair for the Campaign Against Summer Hunger is Executive of Student Services for Sarasota County Schools, Dr. LaShawn Frost, who also currently serves as Vice Chair for All Faiths’ Board of Directors. 

“Each year, we are grateful beyond measure for the generosity of our community, which supports efforts to provide children with nutrition assistance over the summer,” said Dr. Frost. “We believe it is our responsibility to make sure students in Sarasota and DeSoto counties have access to the foods they need to grow and be strong and healthy – all year ‘round.” 

In 2025, the Campaign raised $2 million. With the support of 122 investors and 2,472 community donors, thousands of local children received nutritious meals. Since 2014, donors have contributed more than $20 million to the Campaign.

The walk site at Riverview High School opens at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28, followed by a brief program at 8 a.m. and the walk at 8:30 a.m. Organizers regretfully emphasize that, due to site policies, pets will not be allowed this year.

The cost, which is $35/adults and free/children under 18, includes a T-shirt and light breakfast. Children’s T-shirts are limited. Register by March 20 at allfaithsfoodbank.org/walk. For more information, email [email protected] or call 941-549-8142. 

About All Faiths Food Bank

All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, providing millions of meals each year in collaboration with more than 300 agencies and programs throughout the community. All Faiths works not only to end hunger today, but also strives to end hunger – forever – by helping families and individuals gain long-term food security, enjoy better health outcomes, and achieve self-sufficiency. All Faiths is rated four stars by Charity Navigator and is a partner of the Feeding America and Feeding Florida networks. Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org.