At FISH of SanCap, the food pantry is one of the many ways neighbors help neighbors when extra support is needed. For one local mother raising three children, that support has helped her continue providing for her family while navigating the everyday costs of work, school, and raising kids.
The mother recently shared her story with FISH staff. She is supporting three children—one in college, one still in K–12 school, and another adult child who helps financially when possible. Her college-aged son volunteered with FISH during his high school years.
Like many families, she says the rising cost of everyday necessities can make it difficult to stretch a household budget. Through the FISH food pantry and other community events offered throughout the year, she has been able to access additional support when it is needed most.
“My children were extremely grateful for the everyday food, the backpack supplies and holiday extras,” she shared. “The additional support has made me feel that I can keep going forward and support my children for a better future.”
She has also participated in several FISH seasonal events and says she is especially excited about the upcoming Easter distribution.
Merari Puente, who works closely with families accessing the FISH food pantry, says stories like this are common. “Families come to us because they’re doing everything they can to keep things together for their children,” Puente said. “For a single parent with two children in Florida, the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) survival budget is roughly $75,000 a year just to cover basic necessities. When we meet a parent earning $37,000, they’re earning about half of what it actually takes to get by. That’s the gap many hardworking families on our islands are navigating.”
The FISH food pantry provides staples and personal household items to neighbors living or working on Sanibel and Captiva. The program is part of FISH’s broader mission of neighbors helping neighbors—offering practical support that helps families stay steady while they continue working toward their goals.
FISH also extends its thanks to the many partners and community members who help keep the pantry stocked. Support from organizations including the Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank, Jerry’s Foods, and A Bit of Bailey’s helps make the program possible. In addition, service groups, religious organizations, and individuals regularly hold food drives and collections on behalf of FISH, helping ensure neighbors have access to the food and household items they need.
