Harry Chapin Food Bank partners with organizations to distribute food

When it comes to feeding people in Southwest Florida, the Harry Chapin Food Bank doesn’t do it alone.

They have more than 150 partner agencies, churches and other nonprofits that help them.

Harry Chapin Food Bank provides the food to partner agencies and the agencies get it to the people who need it.

During March to a Million Meals, WINK News is hoping to raise enough funds for 1 million meals.

Partner agencies like St. Matthews House distribute 80 percent of the food for the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

“Our partnership with them is so important,” said St. Matthew’s House’s Lorna McLain.

They hand out about $100 worth of food to families, McLain said.

“Everything from veggies, to cereal to groceries. So, if a family would go right now to the supermarket they would value this at about $100,” McLain said.

That food is going to more families than ever before.

St. Matthew’s House went from distributing 93,000 pounds of food between March 2019 to March 2020 to nearly 2 million pounds from 2020 to 2021 and there is no end in sight.

“Food is major,” said Pastor Greg Ford, of First Assembly Cornerstone Church. “I believe without a doubt that people like ourselves and different agencies can stand in the gap and fill in some the places where there’s a void when it comes down to food, supplies, support and prayer in any way possible.”

They’ve also seen the need increase month to month for months.

First Assembly Cornerstone went from distributing 13,000 pounds of food in March of 2019 to March of 2020. From 2020 to 2021 that increased by 116,000 pounds.

At times it looks overwhelming but with your help partners like Cornerstone and St. Matthew’s House will continue to feed the need.

To contribute to March to a Million Meals, click on the link or the banner below.