On Sanibel and Captiva, being a good neighbor often means finding thoughtful ways to care for both the community and the islands we call home. Through their longtime partnership with FISH of SanCap, A Bit of Bailey’s and The Island Store are doing both—regularly donating food and products to the FISH Food Pantry, helping feed island neighbors while reducing unnecessary food waste.
Rather than allowing quality food and usable products to go to waste, the businesses help redirect those items to FISH, where they become fresh produce, pantry staples and other essentials available to individuals and families who live or work on Sanibel and Captiva.
“Bailey’s has been connected to FISH, our food programs and our events for many years, and we are grateful that relationship continues today,” said Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director. “They understand the community, they understand the people we serve, and when there is an opportunity to help, they are there.”
Food donations from local businesses and community partners remain an important part of keeping the FISH Food Pantry stocked. Food insecurity also continues to affect families across Lee County. The 2025 Lee County Community Health Assessment reported a 12.7 percent food insecurity rate among Lee County residents and a 17.8 percent rate among children, based on 2022 Feeding America Map the Meal Gap data.
More recent Feeding America data released in July 2026 confirms that food insecurity continues to affect communities throughout Florida and across the country. Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap study estimates food insecurity at the county level using Census, labor and other economic data. [i]
The FISH Food Pantry provides access to fresh produce, proteins, dairy products, shelf-stable foods and household essentials. Donations from businesses, organizations and individuals, along with local food bank partnerships, help FISH maintain that variety and respond to the needs of island residents and workers throughout the year.
Food assistance is one part of FISH’s pillars, which also include the year-round Youth Backpack Program, Meals-by-FISH, holiday food assistance and emergency food support.
A Bit of Bailey’s and The Island Store have supported FISH in many ways over the years, with their involvement taking different forms as community needs and FISH programs have evolved. Over the years, the Bailey’s family of businesses has supported FISH food drives and community campaigns, including initiatives held when Bailey’s General Store was open. They have catered FISH open houses and other gatherings and, most recently, will provide food for runners participating in FISH’s annual JOG N JAM fundraiser.
“Some partnerships become part of how FISH gets the work done, and this is one of them,” Espinoza said. “Whether they are helping stock the pantry, providing food for an open house or making sure our JOG N JAM runners have something to eat after the race, A Bit of Bailey’s and The Island Store continue to show up for FISH and the community. We are grateful for the many years of support and for the relationship behind it.”
Food Programs at FISH include the Food Pantry, the year-round Youth Backpack Program serving approximately 200 children each month, Meals-by-FISH, holiday food assistance and emergency food support.
Food assistance can also be a starting point for other FISH services. Staff work individually with neighbors to understand their circumstances and connect them with additional resources when appropriate, including financial assistance, senior services, transportation and other support.
For information about FISH Food Programs or other services, contact FISH at (239) 472-4775.
[i] Feeding America [ https://www.feedingamerica.org/about-us/press-room/Map-the-Meal-Gap-2026 ]
