Sanibel market, vendors donate to F.I.S.H. food pantry
F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva and the Sanibel Island Farmers Market join forces annually to provide fresh products to neighbors who use the F.I.S.H. food pantry. Local Roots owners Betsy Ventura and Jean Baer organize the market during season and team up with vendors who agree to donate unsold fruits, vegetables and goodies to the pantry. F.I.S.H. volunteers pick up, sort and stock the donated items.
“F.I.S.H. and our neighbors greatly appreciate the generosity of the farmers market. We cannot thank Betsy, Jean and the generous vendors enough for helping supply healthy choices for those that use our pantry,” President Maggi Feiner said. “We could not provide these wonderful foods to our community without our partnership with the market and the help of our volunteers. Thank you Betsy and Jean for another successful year and continued support for our community’s only food pantry.”
No community is immune to food insecurity, and F.I.S.H. works daily to ensure that no islander is deciding between feeding their family or paying rent, childcare or medical bills.
The slower summer months deplete its shelves. This time of year, the pantry needs help and accepts donations of food, including perishables, personal products and other items from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. During non-business hours, individuals may leave unopened, unexpired non-perishable food and other items in the drop-off bin located outside the Walk-In Center entrance.
Personal and hygiene products not covered by the SNAP Program, but they are needed on a daily basis. The items include shampoo and conditioner, body soap, toothpaste, laundry and cleaning products, paper towels and bathroom tissue, and sanitizing products.
F.I.S.H. is always in need of:
– Canned products: Tuna, chicken, vegetables; soup or broth; fruits; fruit and vegetable juices, including juice boxes; jelly; pork and beans; stews and other meats
– Packaged foods: Pasta, lentils, pinto and other beans; macaroni and cheese, and packaged dinners; instant soups; hot and cold cereals; peanut butter and other nut butters; and nutritional bars like protein, granola, energy or breakfast bars
The food pantry is a vital service for many households. Once qualified by F.I.S.H., households are given a food pantry card to shop for items to supplement their grocery needs. The pantry is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
For more information, including about volunteer opportunities, contact Assistant Executive Director Maria Espinoza or Walk-in Center Manager Jennifer Pagano at info@fishofsancap.org.
The F.I.S.H. Walk-In Center is at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.