Our Daily Bread Food Pantry Receives Grant

Our Daily Bread Food Pantry (ODBFP) announced itis the recipient of a $50,000 grant from the Island Country Club Charitable Foundation(ICCCF). This generous funding will specifically support families and children in Marco Island through ODBFP’s signature Saturday Pantry and Helping Hungry Kids Initiative conducted for students at Marco Island Charter Middle School plus summer camps offered by the YMCA.  

“Although Marco Island and all of Collier County are often perceived as an enclave for the wealthy, this is not a reality for the workforce who provide the essential services that propel our local economy. Without the weekly consistency of our multiple food distribution options, too many of our families would be forced to make the agonizing choice between feeding their children or having the resources to remain housed,” said Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan, Ed.D, Executive Director of ODBFP. “As one of our long-standing grantors, the Island Club of Marco Island has played a foundational role in our efforts to nourish our neighbors in need, especially the children in our community.” 

“All of us at Island Country Club Foundation of Marco Island understand the importance of supporting our community. We are happy to be partnering with Our Daily Bread Food Pantry to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in Marco Island,” adds Byron Farrell, ICCCF Chairman. 

Last year, children represented 39% of the individuals served by ODBFP. According to research cited by the Naples Children & Education Foundation (July 2023), “Kids who don’t get enough to eat, especially during their first three years, begin life at a serious disadvantage.The impacts of hunger on a child’s physical and mental health are significant, affecting their behavior, academic achievement, and well-being. Children facing food insecurity may struggle in school and beyond.” 

Headquartered on Marco Island, ODBFP provides food six days a week through both our Saturday and mobile pantries, for food-insecure families throughout southeast Collier County. For additional information on Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, visit www.ourdailybreadfoodpantry.org.