SARASOTA — A hurricane relief pilot program recently launched by All Faiths Food Bank and Children First will finally get some permanent roots in Sarasota County.
The program was established in October as a pilot program after hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the region with storm surge and ripping winds.
AFFB offers bimonthly food trips to its grocery-style pantries for families of students enrolled at Children First and its employees at three locations in North Port and Sarasota.
Now as a permanent program, AFFB will offer consistent access to food for 300 local families experiencing or facing hunger.
“Access to fresh, nutritious food is essential for our community’s most vulnerable children to grow, learn and thrive, and for their families to build a foundation for a healthier future,” Children First CEO Philip Tavill said.
Children First is ranked in the top 1% of all Head Start programs nationwide — services for families who live at or below the federal poverty level or based on other criteria, including a child with a diagnosed disability.