Following FISH of SanCap’s recent urgent plea regarding the uncertainty surrounding federal SNAP benefits, the organization is sharing a hopeful update: thanks to a generous grant from the Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation, the FISH Food Pantry has been able to stay well-stocked and ready to support island workers and residents who are feeling the strain.
Many families who rely on SNAP remain unsure whether their monthly benefits will arrive on time—or at all. With the islands still quiet and many seasonal residents not yet back, donations have been slower than usual, even as need continues to grow. The weeks leading into the holidays can be especially difficult for households already trying to stretch limited budgets.
“The Sanctuary Foundation is proud to support those individuals in need of assistance living and working on our islands,” said Lisa Schmidlin, President of the Sanctuary Golf Club. The Foundation has long supported FISH through its charitable giving, and this particular grant arrived at a moment when the community truly needed it.
Food insecurity continues to be a real challenge in Lee County, where many families live paycheck to paycheck and unexpected expenses—whether storm repairs, healthcare needs, or rising grocery prices—can quickly throw things off balance. On Sanibel and Captiva, those who live or work on the islands often face even higher costs for basic necessities. FISH serves this population directly, offering access to fresh produce, pantry staples, proteins, household items, and other food insecurity support programs that help fill the gaps when budgets simply don’t stretch far enough.
“We’re seeing more neighbors coming to us worried about what the next few weeks will look like,” said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH. “This grant from the Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation couldn’t have come at a better time. Their support helps us keep our shelves full so families don’t have to choose between groceries and other essentials. The Foundation has been a steady supporter of FISH programs over the years, and we’re incredibly grateful for their continued kindness.”
FISH also extends its gratitude to all donors who responded to the recent urgent plea for assistance, as well as SCCF, the SanCap Resilience Steering Committee, and others who helped share the message throughout their networks. FISH will continue monitoring the SNAP situation closely while preparing for the possibility of a prolonged increase in need.
As reported on Nov. 18 by ABC News, “Just as SNAP benefits were reinstated for millions of Americans following the reopening of the federal government, many are now set to permanently lose them. According to Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates, about 1.1 million people will lose SNAP benefits between 2025 and 2034, including 800,000 able-bodied adults through age 64 who don’t live with dependents and 300,000 parents or caregivers up to age 64 with children aged 14 and older.”
“I think millions of people are going to lose food. … There’s no question this is going to create more harm and suffering and hunger,” Joel Berg, CEO of the nonprofit hunger relief organization Hunger Free America, told ABC News.[i]
As SNAP benefit changes continue and the holidays approach, FISH remains focused on making sure every household that lives or works on Sanibel and Captiva can access healthy, reliable food—especially during a season that can feel particularly heavy for those struggling quietly behind the scenes.
Community members who would like to help can donate food, grocery store gift cards, or financial contributions to support ongoing Food Pantry operations. For drop-off information or questions about current needs, contact Merari Salinas, Food Programs Manager, at merari@fishofsancap.org.
[i] https://abcnews.go.com/Health/snap-back-millions-americans-lose-benefits-due-new/story?id=127593186
