September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort led by Feeding America to raise awareness of hunger and encourage people to take action in their own communities.
This year’s campaign reinforces that addressing hunger takes all of us. A donation, a few hours volunteering, a food drive, or simply connecting a neighbor with available help can become one small part of a larger community response. Hunger Action Month runs throughout September, with Hunger Action Day observed on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
For FISH, that message closely reflects what “neighbors helping neighbors” looks like every day. From May through July 2026 alone, FISH distributed 128,746 pounds of food through its Food Pantry. During those three months, the pantry recorded 3,542 visits and served 682 unduplicated neighbors. The numbers include island residents and members of the Sanibel and Captiva workforce who turned to FISH for help stretching household food budgets.
FISH works closely with Harry Chapin Food Bank and Midwest Food Bank, important regional partners that help keep the pantry supplied with food for the community. FISH staff and volunteers regularly pick up food from these partners for distribution on Sanibel. The FISH Food Pantry is also supported, in part, through grant funding from The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation and through private donations from individuals, businesses and community partners.
Together, these partnerships and contributions allow FISH to respond as needs change, purchase high-demand items when supplies run low and continue offering a ‘choice pantry’ where neighbors can select food that works for their households.
“Those numbers tell us that food assistance continues to be an important part of what our community needs,” said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH. “Behind every pantry visit is a person making decisions about groceries, housing, utilities, medical expenses and other necessities. Hunger Action Month gives us an opportunity to talk about those realities, but this is work FISH and its community partners do every week of the year.”
Feeding America’s newly released Map the Meal Gap 2026, which analyzes 2024 data, estimates that 47.9 million people nationwide experienced food insecurity. Nearly half had incomes above the threshold to qualify for federal nutrition assistance. The study also found that more than 12 million seniors and older adults experienced food insecurity.
FISH addresses food insecurity through several programs designed for different ages and circumstances:
Food Pantry | A choice pantry that offers fresh produce, dairy, frozen proteins, shelf-stable groceries, household goods and personal care products. The pantry is located at 2422 Periwinkle Way and is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Meals-by-FISH | Ready-to-eat meals support seniors, neighbors recovering from illness and others who may have difficulty preparing meals.
Youth Food Backpack Program | The year-round program provides children with food and snacks that are easy to prepare at home, helping families keep food available between school meals and during weekends and school breaks. Special thanks to Suncoast Credit Union, the Sanibel Captiva Kiwanis Club, the Lee County Bar Association, Captiva Chapel by the Sea, and the Sanibel Captiva Rotary Club for investing in the wellbeing of local children and families.
FISH works with regional food partners, local businesses, donors and volunteers to keep food moving into the pantry and out to neighbors. Community food donations also remain an important part of keeping pantry shelves stocked.
“Hunger can look very different from one household to the next,” Espinoza said. “It might be a parent trying to make groceries last until the next paycheck, an older adult living on a fixed income or someone whose hours at work were unexpectedly reduced. FISH is here so our neighbors have somewhere to turn.”
During Hunger Action Month, FISH encourages the community to consider how they can add to the effort. Neighbors can donate food or funds, volunteer, organize a food drive or share information about FISH with someone who may need assistance.
Among the pantry’s frequently needed items are canned chicken, tuna, other proteins; rice, beans and pasta; cereal and oatmeal; cooking oil and condiments; shelf-stable milk; juice boxes; diapers; baby food; soap; toothpaste; and shampoo. FISH can also safely accept and distribute many perishable donations, including fresh produce, milk and eggs.
Those interested in organizing a food drive or learning more about current pantry needs may contact FISH at info@fishofsancap.org. FISH also welcomes volunteers who can assist with food pickups, pantry operations and other food programs.
For more information about FISH food programs or to request assistance, visit the FISH website or call 239-472-4775.
