FISH OF SANCAP has been named Best Nonprofit in the 2026 Best of the Islands awards, marking the second consecutive year the organization has received the community honor.
The annual Best of the Islands awards, organized by the Island Reporter, recognize local businesses, organizations and individuals selected through voting by residents and visitors. The annual awards program returned in 2025 for the first time since Hurricane Ian paused the tradition in 2022. FISH was also named Best Nonprofit in 2025.
“To receive this recognition last year was incredibly special. To receive it again this year means so much to all of us,” said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH. “Our work is built around neighbors helping neighbors, and this award comes directly from the community we serve. We share it with our volunteers, donors, partners, staff and every neighbor who has trusted FISH and supported our work.”
For nearly 45 years, FISH has served people who live and work on Sanibel and Captiva through programs centered on food assistance, island-based education, senior services, and Helping Hands financial assistance. Those pillar programs reach neighbors at many different points in their lives. FISH operates its choice food pantry and food programs, provides emergency financial assistance and case management, offers senior programs including Meals-by-FISH, Friendly Faces, reassurance calls and transportation, supports children and families through educational programs, and helps the community prepare for and recover from disasters.
FISH also continues to strengthen its role in community resiliency. The organization has served as a United Way House since 2009 and a United Way Resiliency Hub since 2024. That role includes helping Sanibel and Captiva prepare for and respond to disasters, while also serving as a year-round resource for the community. During “blue sky” days, FISH provides everyday programs, services and connections that help neighbors stay supported, connected and prepared.
“FISH has changed and grown as the needs of Sanibel and Captiva have changed, but the heart of the organization is still the same,” Espinoza said. “People here look out for each other. FISH has the privilege of being one of the ways they do that.”
The second consecutive Best Nonprofit recognition comes as FISH continues to see strong use of its programs. In 2025 alone, the FISH Food Pantry distributed 294,323 pounds of food during 6,874 pantry visits. FISH also provided 5,304 case management contacts, 337 instances of financial assistance and 1,138 reassurance calls to community members.
FISH thanks the Sanibel and Captiva community for voting and for continuing to support its mission of Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
To learn more about FISH programs and services, visit the FISH website or contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director, at 239-472-4775.
