FISH food pantry sees continued need
FISH of Sanibel-Captiva reported that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found a “remarkable increase in food insecurity,” particularly among lower income households, families with children and those already facing financial strain, according to a recent report.
Researchers also found growing pessimism about the future, as more households reported dipping into savings, relying on food donations and struggling to put enough food on the table.
FISH continued that those national trends reflect what its staff and volunteers hear every day.
Families who once donated groceries are now asking for help. Seniors on fixed incomes are making difficult choices between groceries, medications and utility bills. Working adults with full-time jobs are finding that paychecks no longer stretch far enough to cover rising expenses.
“Our clients tell us they are doing everything they can. They are working, budgeting, cutting back and making sacrifices. Yet many still find themselves short at the end of the month,” Food Programs Manager Merari Puente said. “People are worried that the financial strain will last much longer than expected.”
According to the New York Fed, increases in food insecurity have been seen across age, race and income groups, with the largest increases among households with children and those with lower incomes. Researchers noted that higher costs for groceries, housing, utilities and other essentials continue to put pressure on household budgets.
FISH reported that those pressures are familiar on Sanibel and Captiva.
“Many of the households turning to FISH are considered ALICE households, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. They are teachers, hospitality workers, retail employees, caregivers, health care workers, tradespeople and others who keep our community running every day,” she said. “They earn too much to qualify for many forms of assistance, yet not enough to absorb rising costs for groceries, fuel, housing, insurance and other essentials.”
In addition, many residents and members of the workforce are still recovering from Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton. Savings that once provided a financial cushion have been used up and, for many families, have yet to recover. Some households continue to deal with repairs, insurance challenges, housing instability and lost income.
“There is a misconception that food insecurity looks a certain way. The reality is that it can affect anyone,” Puente said. “We meet seniors who have lived here for decades, parents working multiple jobs, people caring for aging family members, and neighbors who never imagined they would need to visit a food pantry. Asking for help can be difficult, but no one should have to face hunger alone.”
FISH’s choice food pantry provides groceries, fresh produce, frozen proteins, dairy products, hygiene items, pet food and other essentials to island residents and workers facing temporary hardships and ongoing financial challenges.
The program is partially funded by The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation and strengthened through partnerships with Midwest Food Bank, the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Sanibel Island Farmers Market, private food drives, and in-kind donations from individuals, businesses and community groups.
FISH noted that the partnerships help provide a steady supply of food and household essentials, but community support remains critical as demand continues — especially during the summer off-season.
From now through Aug. 2, it is one of the beneficiaries of Love Sanibel Back’s Food & Basics Drive. The communitywide collection drive invites neighbors to donate food and household essentials to help stock the FISH pantry, while supporting welcome baskets for new Community Housing & Resources (CHR) residents.
FISH donations include pantry staples, such as pasta, peanut butter, cereal, flour, cooking oil, paper towels, toilet paper, hygiene products, pet food, condiments and jelly. They may be dropped off at Blind Pass Condominiums, CHR, FISH, Fyzical, Jerry’s Foods, Royal Shell, the Sanibel Beach Club, Sanibel Day Spa, and Shalimar Beach Resort throughout the campaign.
Financial contributions may be made online or mailed to P.O. Box 58, Sanibel, FL 33957.
“Food is one of the most basic needs we all share. A bag of groceries can ease stress, stretch a paycheck and remind someone they have a community that cares,” she said. “Every donation helps us continue saying yes when our neighbors need support.”
For more information, contact Puente at merari@fishofsancap.org or 239-472-4775.
The FISH Walk In Center is at 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.