Food Bank Marks 20 Years of Bowls of Hope

All Faiths Food Bank's 20th annual Bowls of Hope fundraiser sold out with more than 900 attendees at Ed Smith Stadium.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Philanthropy

Food Bank Marks 20 Years of Bowls of Hope

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Do you think more families in your area are struggling to afford groceries than a year ago?

All Faiths Food Bank held the 20th anniversary of its Bowls of Hope fundraiser on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. The sold-out event drew more than 900 people.

Why it matters

All Faiths reports that more than 83,000 people sought its help in 2025, and it estimates another 137,000 people in the community are at risk of hunger. Rising costs for groceries, housing, insurance, utilities and gas, along with changes to SNAP and Medicaid, are straining family budgets in Sarasota.

The fundraiser sold out with more than 900 attendees, marking its 20th year. All Faiths is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, serving more than 83,000 people in 2025.

The players

All Faiths Food Bank

The only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, providing food assistance to neighbors experiencing hunger.

Baltimore Orioles

A Major League Baseball franchise that was recognized as a partner of the Bowls of Hope event.

The details

Attendees selected up to three signature dishes from dozens of area restaurants and caterers and took home handcrafted bowls donated by local potters, woodworkers, artists and students. The evening also included a sponsor reception called "Bubbles, Beignets and Bowls," and the Baltimore Orioles were recognized as a partner.

2025: More than 83,000 people sought help from All Faiths Food Bank.
Sunday, November 8, 2026: The 20th annual Bowls of Hope fundraiser was held at Ed Smith Stadium.

Philanthropy Context

The Bowls of Hope fundraiser has run for two decades as a community-funded response to hunger in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Its 20th anniversary comes as changes to SNAP and Medicaid are affecting households that depend on those benefits.

Residents who want to support hunger relief can attend future community fundraisers or contribute to All Faiths Food Bank, the only food bank serving Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Households facing food insecurity can seek assistance from the same organization, which reports serving more than 83,000 people in 2025.

The takeaway

Local philanthropy events like Bowls of Hope are one way residents can help close the gap for the estimated 137,000 people in Sarasota and DeSoto counties who are at risk of hunger.