F.I.S.H. reports pantry usage up throughout summer
The F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva Food Pantry is a vital service for many households, and the organization receives requests for assistance daily from island residents and workers.
One island server who recently graduated high school visited F.I.S.H. His housing situation changed post-graduation and with his new rent responsibility, his living expenses were adding up, making it difficult to keep up with bills. Although he found a second job, he could barely afford a day’s worth of food. At the recommendation of a coworker, he sought assistance from F.I.S.H. He signed up for the pantry in early May and stops by two times a week for groceries, and he is working with F.I.S.H. for additional resources and assistance.
“We are seeing more families and young adults seeking assistance,” Assistant Executive Director Maria Espinoza said.
Once qualified by F.I.S.H., households are able to shop for nutritious supplemental grocery items to sustain their family’s food needs. The food pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday to Friday. Every year, the organization distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds of food through the pantry.
The recently remodeled pantry area and addition of shopping carts, loaned by Bailey’s General Store, makes the experience more enjoyable for users, while increasing shelf space for additional product.
F.I.S.H. reported that it is grateful for donations to the food pantry program — both monetary or products to distribute. Products F.I.S.H. needs for the pantry include perishable and non-perishable food, personal hygiene products and household cleaning items.
“This has been a particularly difficult 18 months for our neighbors because of the pandemic and related restrictions, and we’re not out of the woods yet,” Espinoza said. “F.I.S.H. has many food, financial and educational programs to assist our neighbors in their greatest time of need. We’re here to help, and F.I.S.H. has something for everyone.”
For a list of pantry needs, visit https://www.fishofsancap.org/food-pantry/.
For more information about F.I.S.H. and its programs and services, contact Assistant Executive Director Maria Espinoza at 239-472-4775 or visit www.fishofsancap.org.