Our History
The South Fort Myers Food Pantry Coalition (SFMFPC) is located on the campus of the Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers. In 2007 there were food pantries in other areas of the city but none located in South Fort Myers. The churches in this area were seeing an increase in the number of people seeking assistance. Two sizable donations were made; both designated to feed the hungry. Area churches of all denominations were notified, meetings were held and eventually the SFMFPC opened in July of 2008 with the initial support of ten churches. Support has grown and 16 churches and community organizations are involved. The pantry incorporated in 2010 and now has 501c3 tax exempt status.

The pantry is staffed totally by volunteers, including administrators and the board of directors. If we were a young business, the growth that we have seen over the years would be incredible and we would be congratulating each other for our success but when your business is feeding the hungry the goal is to do less business, indicating less hunger and better financial times. Between July and December of 2008 we fed 3,515 individuals. By December of 2010 our volume increased by 100%, serving 14,567 individuals that year. The increase has continued and by January 2015 we had served more than 110,000 people, and have purchased more than 2 Million pounds of food. In addition to an increase in the number of guests coming to the pantry, food prices and the cost of running the pantry have increased. We depend on contributions from generous neighbors and coallition members.

Our Goals
As long as there is hunger in the South Fort Myers area including Sanibel and Captiva, our goal is to provide food to those in need and to give information about assistance programs which may benefit them. Now that we have moved out of a trailer and into permanent accommodations, we are giving people choice as to what food they receive. Our goal is to continue a choice pantry, giving our guests healthier choices particularly with protein items and fresh vegetables whenever possible. Donations are necessary to continue our good work

Non DiscrtminatIon Policy: In accordance with federal law and US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, disability, religion or sexual orientation when recruiting volunteers or distributing food. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 or 202-720-6382 (TYY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

Board Members: