Why We Are Needed We are the only food bank serving Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. We help feed at least 30,000 people a month through a 150 partner-agency network.
Although experts say the economy is improving, many of our clients continue to need support because they work in low-paying service industry positions or have part-time jobs. About 72 percent of our clients earn $20,000 or less a year, according to the Feeding America study “Hunger in America 2014.” Our clients, like 54-year-old James, often have to choose between paying their rent or other bills and putting food on the table. James and his family have received food at Grace Place for Children and Families, one of our 150 partner agencies. “When I do get hungry, I know the kids are hungry …. I do whatever (I can) until the food bank comes through,” said James, a laborer who lives in Collier County. “It’s a blessing that the food bank comes here.” In fiscal year 2014, we provided 18.7 million pounds of food, a 12.65 percent increase over FY 2013. This was the equivalent of almost 15.6 million meals with an estimated value of $32 million.
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HARRY CHAPIN FOOD BANK OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
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IMPACT REPORT FY 2013-2014