Collier Community Foundation Invests $70,000 to Fight Hunger in County

This year, the Collier Community Foundation is contributing $70,000 to support various food programs that bring food, morale-boosting, and optimism to neighbors in need. Through its Food Insecurity Fund, the Foundation continues to address growing community needs as food costs rise and working families face increasing financial pressure.

The Food Insecurity Fund of the Collier Community Foundation awarded a $30,000 grant to Our Daily Bread Food Pantry to help feed hungry children and families in Collier County. This grant helps support programs that provide families who experience hunger with regular access to healthy and balanced meals.

“We are deeply grateful to the members of the CCF-Food Insecurity Fund for their leadership, support of our mission, and commitment to alleviating hunger in our community. As food prices continue to escalate, the workforce families who provide the essential services that propel our economy too often face the agonizing choice between feeding their children or having the resources to pay bills or remain housed,” states ODBFP Executive Director, Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan, EdD.

This year, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry plans to distribute more than two million pounds of nutritious food. That distribution is expected to provide approximately 1,666,667 meals to children, families, and seniors across Collier County. All food served is in compliance with USDA dietary guidelines to help maintain good health and overall well-being.

Strong fiscal stewardship remains a cornerstone of the organization's work. Last year, 97 cents of every dollar raised was directed to hunger-relief programs. This level of efficiency is made possible by grant funders and a volunteer-driven Operations team, which allows the pantry to maximize impact while keeping overhead costs low.

Together, the Collier Community Foundation and Our Daily Bread Food Pantry continue to strengthen the local safety net, ensuring vulnerable neighbors have access to nutritious food amid rising costs and economic uncertainty.