Employees take on food sorting, distribution for nonprofit

SARASOTA — Due to the coronavirus pandemic, All Faiths Food Bank has had to make significant changes to its operations.

According to a press release, the Sarasota-based nonprofit has placed a temporary hold on group volunteers. A small group of long-time volunteers are still assisting the organization.

Staff at all levels are filling significant gaps in mission-critical operations, such as food sorting, packing, boxing and distribution, in addition to performing their regular duties. 

To help employees at All Faiths Food Bank, team members from Tammy's Alterations & Dry Cleaning in Sarasota recently made and donated 50 cloth masks for staffers. 

Because of the risk of contamination, the organization has also placed a temporary hold on consumer food donations. It is still accepting cash contributions.

All Faiths is building pre-packed boxes of food that can be distributed with bags of produce or meat. With schools closed and children eligible for free or reduced-price meals unable to access those meals, the organization has accelerated its Campaign Against Summer Hunger and is partnering with Sarasota County Schools to help feed children at eight area schools as well as through area Boys & Girls Clubs, Children First, Girls Inc. and Early Learning Coalition. 

General food distribution has shifted to a drive-through model at all locations.

All Faiths Food Bank is the largest hunger relief organization and only food bank serving Sarasota and DeSoto counties.