The return of the Sanibel Island Farmers Market in October brings back a Sunday tradition for residents and visitors, and for FISH of SanCap, it also means the return of an important source of fresh food for the organization’s food pantry.
Throughout the market season, participating vendors donate fresh produce, breads and other food that FISH volunteers collect, sort and stock at the pantry. The partnership gives neighbors who use the pantry access to fresh foods that can be harder and more expensive for FISH to source consistently.
During the previous market season, FISH recognized Nelly Zuniga of Aurora Fresh Produce and Christian Foerchner of European Bakery, as well as other participating vendors, for their ongoing donations. Volunteers also play an important role, handling Sunday pickups and making sure donated food gets from the market to pantry shelves.
“We really miss these donations when the market closes for the summer, so we are always excited to welcome the Farmers Market and its vendors back,” said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director at FISH. “Fresh produce, breads and other market items add so much to what we can offer in the pantry. We appreciate the vendors who set food aside for our neighbors and the volunteers who give their Sunday mornings to make sure it gets here.”
Based on current activity, FISH expects to far exceed the amount of food distributed through the pantry last year. In 2025, FISH distributed 294,323 pounds of food during 6,874 pantry visits. The pace of distribution in 2026 reflects the continued demand for food assistance among individuals and families who live or work on Sanibel and Captiva.
The Farmers Market relationship has become a dependable part of FISH’s food recovery efforts. Rather than allowing quality food left at the end of a market day to go unused, participating vendors can put it directly into the local food assistance network. The food collected on Sunday can then reach individuals and families who live or work on Sanibel and Captiva.
This season, FISH will also have another reason to spend Sundays at the market. Members of the FISH JOG N JAM committee plan to be at the Farmers Market each Sunday to introduce residents and visitors to the JOG N JAM event and the different ways they can participate. The annual fundraiser includes a 5K and 10K race on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Sanibel Community House, followed by the JOG N JAM concert on Saturday, Dec. 5, at ’Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva. Market shoppers will also have an opportunity to learn about JOG N JAM raffle gift baskets and how to participate. The baskets will offer another way for the community to support FISH while taking part in the event season. Official raffle rules and information are available on the FISH website at fishofsancap.org.
“The Farmers Market gives FISH a chance to connect with so many people, from longtime island residents to seasonal residents and visitors who may be learning about FISH for the first time,” said Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director. “The food donations go directly to supporting our pantry, and having the JOG N JAM committee there each week gives us another opportunity to talk with people about FISH, the work happening in our community and ways they can get involved.”
FISH provides food assistance throughout the year for individuals and families who live or work on Sanibel and Captiva. Food Programs include the food pantry, Meals-by-FISH, the Youth Food Backpack Program, holiday food programs and other food assistance designed to help meet needs across the community.
For information about FISH programs, JOG N JAM and the official raffle rules, visit fishofsancap.org or contact FISH at (239) 472-4775.
