Harry Chapin Food Bank has received a $51,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation to help restock food pantries in Collier County. The funding, supported by the Greater Marco Island Community Fund, will be used to buy fresh produce from local growers and a range of other foods including canned fruits and vegetables, meats, baked goods, pasta, sauces, dairy products, and cereal.
The Collier Community Foundation is marking its 40th anniversary in 2025. The foundation works with donors to address community needs by supporting various initiatives and organizations in the region.
Harry Chapin Food Bank distributes food through a network of more than 175 agency partners each month. The organization provides assistance to over 250,000 people monthly across Southwest Florida. These include children, seniors, families, and veterans. In addition to permanent food pantries, the nonprofit also organizes mobile pantry events at various locations such as community centers and churches throughout Southwest Florida.
In 2024 alone, Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed 12.6 million pounds of food in Collier County for those experiencing hunger.
“Many people assume Naples is only home to affluent families, but food insecurity is prevalent across our region, including here in Collier County,” said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. “This grant from the Collier Community Foundation is important because it funds pantries that bring food directly into the communities and neighborhoods where it’s needed the most.”
The Harry Chapin Food Bank is affiliated with Feeding America and serves five counties: Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee. In total for 2024 it distributed 39.5 million pounds of food—the equivalent of 32 million meals—through its network of partners at both stationary sites and mobile events.
The Collier Community Foundation was established in 1985 and manages more than 900 donor funds. It collaborates with hundreds of nonprofits in the area and has awarded over $387 million in grants and scholarships since its founding. More information about their work can be found on their website at https://colliercf.org/.
