German article

When School Ends, Hunger Begins for Thousands of Area Children

Information from the Herald-Tribune.com

This summer, 40,000 children are at risk of hunger. The summer months can be especially difficult for the children of families struggling to put food on the table. During those months, they lose access to free and reduced-cost meals at school as well as on-site pantries that provide nutritional assistance over the weekends. To fill the “hunger gap” for affected children, All Faiths Food Bank – the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties – is launching its ninth annual Campaign Against Summer Hunger. According to The Herald-Tribune, this effort involves behind-the-scenes fundraising to compile a sixfigure match and a community campaign that lasts from April 1 through May 15. The chair for this year’s Campaign is All Faiths Food Bank’s former board chair, Nelle Miller, who is determined to rally the community in the effort to ensure healthy foods are available for area children.

“When school is out, kids don’t receive the breakfast and lunch they are provided during the school year,” Miller says. “Over the summer, kids should be hungry for fun and time with friends – but not hungry. We simply can’t allow those who are the most vulnerable to hunger to suffer this summer.” The community’s support for the Campaign Against Summer Hunger is vital to ensure that area school children and their siblings don’t go hungry this summer. Donors of all levels are encouraged to consider joining All Faiths Food Bank in fighting child hunger through the Campaign between April 1 and May 15 so that thousands of students and siblings who may otherwise go hungry can be helped. It’s easy, and donations of any amount make a difference. Hunger heroes are encouraged to: Make a donation that will be doubled through the dollar-for-dollar match, Host a virtual fundraiser or

Encourage their family, co-workers, friends and neighbors to give Visit AllFaithsFoodBank.org for more information and to make a gift. Every donation will go towards helping children in need.

AROUND TOWN

MAY 5TH - JUNE 9TH - LIVING HEALTHY WORKSHOP: The sessions meet on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., May 5 to June 9. The Senior Friendship Center is located at: 2350 Scenic Drive in Venice, Florida. To register, contact Tammy Stark at 941-584-0075. Now is the time to invest in your health! 6TH-7TH-8TH - SARASOTA CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL: 11am-6pm. Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Features a diverse menu of traditional Mexican dishes all cooked fresh on-site by local restaurants and food purveyors. Liquid refreshment includes selections of alcoholic, non-alcoholic and fruit drinks along with sodas and bottled water. Admission is FREE. https://www.mustdo.com/events/sarasota-cinco-de-mayofestival-3/

7TH-8TH - 2ND ANNUAL DOWNTOWN SARASOTA CRAFT FESTIVAL: 10am - 5pm. Downtown Sarasota - 1 Central Avenue, Sarasota. A variety of jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting, clothing and much more – all handmade in America. An expansive Green Market with plants, orchids, exotic flora, handmade soaps, gourmet spices and freshly popped kettle corn further compliments the weekend, blending nature with nurture. FREE Admission. www.artfestival.com

10TH - THE VENICE AREA WOMEN’S COLLEGE CLUB invites you to a lunch, 11:30 am at the Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd, Venice, FL, 34293. The May meeting (last of the season) is for the installation of new club officers, members can mix and mingle.  Prospective members can check out the club, answer any questions you have about the club and its purpose.  Please call 309-635-3058 for more information and/or lunch ($25) reservations. 13TH - BONITA SPRINGS – Estero Christian Women’s Connection Invites You and Your Friends to Attend our May Luncheon! 11:30 - 1:30. The Club at Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd, Estero, FL 33928. Luncheon cost: $30 inclusive. Reservations & Cancellations must be received by Friday, May 6, 2022. Call Jan with questions at 815-545-5056. cwcflorida.org 13TH-15TH - 3RD ANNUAL PUNTA GORDA CRAB & MUSIC FESTIVAL: FREE admission. 115 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. The event is a blending of a marketplace of arts, crafts, and specialty products surrounded by great seafood dishes and washed over by wonderful live musical performances by some of Florida’s most talented musicians and bands.

27TH-30TH - HEALING FIELD OF HONOR: 9AM TO 6PM Laishley Park – 120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda. United States flags will fly in a solemn formation creating an aweinspiring panorama. Each U.S. flag represents an individual and tells a story. Flags may be sponsored to honor individuals currently serving in our military, fallen servicemen & women, veterans, first responders, heroes in our lives, and hometown heroes. The display is open to all without charge. Taps will be played every evening at 6pm. (941) 575-0142. https://www.healingfield.org/event/puntagordafl22/ 20TH-22ND - SARASOTA SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL: The fun, food, festivities and relaxation begin Friday evening with hours from 4pm-10pm. The fun and festivities continue Saturday 11am-10pm and finally come to a close Sunday 11am6pm. Admission is FREE. JD Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota. https://www. facebook.com/sarasotaseafoodandmusicfestival/ SUBMIT AROUND TOWN EVENTS AND/OR EVENT FLYERS TO: Lifestyles After 50, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; or email to info@lifestylesafter50.com or fax to (813) 331-2634 by the 20th of the month prior to the event. (i.e. submit June events by May 20 2022).