Suncoast Beverage Sales is proud to partner with Harry Chapin Food Bank, the leading hunger-relief organization and only Feeding America partner in Southwest Florida, as part of the company’s Stella-brate the holidays program. This program, which launched Nov. 1, aims to raise funds and awareness to support Harry Chapin Food Bank during the holiday season.

“As a leader in beverage distribution, Suncoast Beverage Sales recognizes the critical need for food assistance in our region, especially during the holiday season when many families face increased challenges,” said Chris Bina, general manager of Suncoast Beverage Sales. “The Stella-brate the holidays program embodies our dedication to community service. “We believe that no one should go hungry, especially during the holiday season. We’re confident that, through this initiative, we can have a tangible impact and spread the spirit of giving throughout Southwest Florida.”

Now in its fourth year, the Stella-brate the holidays program invites customers and business partners to join a collective effort to provide meals for those in need. The program features a series of fundraising events, promotions and partnerships with local businesses, with all proceeds directed toward Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Participating grocery stores will feature Stella displays equipped with QR codes, which enable customers to donate directly to support Harry Chapin Food Bank. Additionally, participating bars and restaurants throughout the region will collect food donations, which will be delivered to Harry Chapin Food Bank by Suncoast Beverage, in exchange for a Stella Chalice.

“We are grateful for the support of community partners, such as Suncoast Beverage Sales, who share our commitment to ending hunger in Southwest Florida,” said Ann Prifrel, chief development officer at Harry Chapin Food Bank. “Partnerships like this not only help raise funds to support our vision of a hunger-free Southwest Florida, but also raise awareness about the significant need throughout our community, especially during the holidays.”

Food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle, is a foremost concern in Southwest Florida. Feeding America estimates more than 177,000 individuals, including 41,000 children, are impacted throughout Lee, Collier, Charlottee, Glades and Hendry counties.

Harry Chapin Food Bank is leading the charge to combat food insecurity in Southwest Florida by feeding more than 250,000 individuals each month through an array of food distribution programs focused on children, families and seniors.

In 2023, Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed approximately 35.6 million pounds of food. That was up from the previous year, further evidence of the growing need in Southwest Florida.

For more information about the Stella-Brate holiday program and how you can get involved, please visit https://suncoastbeverage.com. To join Harry Chapin Food Bank in its fight to end hunger in Southwest Florida, visit harrychapinfoodbank.org.

About Harry Chapin Food Bank

Harry Chapin Food Bank, a Feeding America partner, is the leading hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida. The food bank rescues food that would otherwise go to waste and distributes it to children, families and seniors who are hungry through a series of food distribution programs that feed more than a quarter of a million people each month.

Through our food distribution programs, Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed 35.7 million pounds of food, including 8.6 million pounds of fresh produce. This food is the equivalent of 29 million meals distributed to families who are hungry.

Our partnership with Feeding America enables us to amplify our food and distribution efforts and bring in food from various retail and grocery stores, national food producers and distributors, and growers locally, nationally and even internationally.

Harry Chapin Food Bank is proud to be named a Blueprint Partner by the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Harry Chapin Food Bank is also a United Way partner agency. For more information or to make a gift, please call 239.334.7007 or visit harrychapinfoodbank.org.

About Suncoast Beverage Sales

Suncoast Beverage Sales is a leading distributor of beverages in Southwest Florida, dedicated to providing quality products while making a positive impact in the community. With a focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, we strive to support local initiatives that enhance the quality of life for our neighbors.