In every corner of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, Episcopal churches are
living out the Gospel by placing Christ’s love directly into the hands of our
neighbors through compassionate food ministry. Food insecurity remains a daily
struggle for many in Florida. Nearly three million people rely on SNAP
benefits—about one in eight Floridians (12.7 %)—and the state ranks fourth in
the nation in SNAP enrollment. As of November 1, millions of Floridians have
experienced a delay in their SNAP benefits, leaving many without basic food
access. Today, our congregations are answering the call of the gospel to help our
brothers and sisters in need.
Episcopal Church based food pantries across the diocese open their doors each
week with dignity and welcome, ensuring that no one is turned away hungry.
These ministries are rooted in relationship: volunteers learn the stories of the
people who come for assistance, pray with them, and offer encouragement. For
many, these pantries are not just a place to receive a bag of groceries, but a
reminder that God sees them, loves them, and has not forgotten them. A full list
of Episcopal food pantries available to the public can be found
at:
https://episcopalswfl.org/food-pantries/. We encourage you to support your local
food pantry during this time of increased need.
In Manatee and Hillsborough counties, we have a vital resource partnership with
One More Child. Through this partnership, One More Child can offer a robust
pipeline of food, clothing, and basic household items to churches that are
meeting urgent needs in their neighborhoods. The One More Child Compassion
Centers located in Bradenton and Lakeland will provide our congregations with
essential supplies to help families bridge the gap when they face hardship. To
learn more about this partnership and get connected with your local
Compassion Center, email Kate Johnson at [email protected].
Every can of vegetables placed into a grocery bag, every loaf of bread shared,
and every compassionate conversation embodies the servanthood Christ
modeled. The impact of these ministries is made possible through the generosity
of parishioners like you. If you feel called to support this vital work, consider
donating food, volunteering your time, or making a financial gift to your local
Episcopal Church Food Pantry or Community Food Bank. Your support helps
ensure that every family in our diocese can gather around their table with enough
to eat and enough hope to carry on.
Together, as one Diocese, we continue to build a community where the love of
Christ is known in both word and deed. Where hunger persists, so will our
response.
Additional Local Resources:
Search for a local food bank through the 211 Network here:
https://211.org/food
Call 2-1-1 or Text your ZIP code to 898211 to get connected with health and
human services programs in Florida that can assist you or someone you know
with rent and utility payments, food assistance, and more.
Create your own local SNAP Resource Flyer. This free tool empowers churches
to respond quickly. Enter your church details and state to generate a customized,
printable PDF flyer (with optional logo) or copy plain text for sharing. Each output
includes verified state-specific EBT balance info, 211 contacts, and regional food
bank details (including phone numbers), putting vital resources directly into the
hands of those who need them. Create the flyer: https://foodassistdoc.netlify.app/