Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida

Giving Back in Southwest Florida: How You Can Help the Harry Chapin Food Bank Fight Hunger

Hunger isn’t something that only happens elsewhere—it’s happening right here in our own Southwest Florida community. In fact, 1 in 8 of our neighbors relies on hunger-relief services, and many of them are children, families, and seniors who are quietly struggling behind the scenes.

That’s why my recent visit to the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida was so eye-opening—and so important to share.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Feeding Southwest Florida

Along with select local influencers, I recently toured the Harry Chapin Food Bank distribution center in Fort Myers and got a firsthand look at the incredible work happening every single day. The organization serves nearly 300,000 people each month across five counties—Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee—making it the largest hunger-relief nonprofit in Southwest Florida and the region’s only Feeding America member.

Besides getting an inside look and meeting the President of the food bank, we also rolled up our sleeves and helped. Our group packed over 100 five-pound bags of carrots in just one hour, preparing fresh produce that will be distributed directly to local families in need. It was humbling to see how something so simple—an hour of time, a few helping hands—can have such an immediate and meaningful impact.

Who the Food Bank Serves

The need is greater than many people realize:

• 32% of those served are children

• 49% are families

• 19% are seniors, many of whom must choose between buying groceries or paying for essential medications

These aren’t statistics—they’re our neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and grandparents.

Rescuing Food, Nourishing the Community

One of the most impressive aspects of the Harry Chapin Food Bank is its commitment to reducing food waste while fighting hunger. The organization rescues food that would otherwise go to waste and distributes it through a network of more than 150 partner agencies throughout Southwest Florida. Every donation—whether food, funds, or time—helps stretch resources further and reach more people.

How You Can Help Right Now

If you’re looking for meaningful ways to give back in Fort Myers or Southwest Florida, supporting your local food bank is an impactful place to start.

Volunteer:

Hands-on opportunities include sorting, packing, and preparing food for distribution—no experience required, just a willingness to help. However, you have to be 14+, so come next year I'll be taking my boys with me. 

Donate Food:

Food donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Fort Myers Distribution Center

  3760 Fowler St, Fort Myers, FL 33901

  Monday–Thursday | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Collier County Center

  Monday–Thursday | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Give Financially:

Monetary donations allow the food bank to purchase food in bulk, maximize resources, and respond quickly to increased demand. Thus, $20 could go much further in the hands of the food bank sourcing and rescuing food with that amount. 

A Small Action Can Make a Big Difference

Walking through the warehouse, seeing the scale of operations, and witnessing how quickly food moves from donation to distribution made one thing clear: this work matters. Hunger is a challenge we can address—together.

If you’re able to volunteer, donate, or simply help spread awareness, your support truly makes a difference right here at home. To learn more about how to get involved, visit harrychapinfoodbank.org.

Sometimes the most powerful way to give back is right in our own backyard.