The Salvation Army of Sarasota County

Who Can Visit?

The Salvation Army of Sarasota County serves families and individuals in need in the area. Anyone experiencing food insecurity, whether due to a natural disaster, financial hardship, or a health issue, is welcome to visit the food pantry. Clients are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Items Needed for Registration

Please bring a valid photo ID. The website says to bring original photo ID so staff can serve you well.

How Often You Can Visit?

Because donations to the food pantry increase and decrease throughout the year, the number of times a client is eligible to receive food may change over time.

Good to Know

A typical visit provides a family in Sarasota County with a three-to-five-day supply of nutritionally balanced groceries, completely free of charge.

Food & Essentials

The pantry provides nutritionally balanced groceries at no cost. Food boxes are designed to help stretch tight budgets and ease the burden of food insecurity, putting essential groceries directly into the hands of families who need them most.

How to Pick Up

Clients are served on a first-come, first-served basis during open hours. No pre-registration is needed before your first visit, just bring a valid photo ID.

Additional Support

The Salvation Army of Sarasota County offers a wide range of services beyond food assistance, including:

• Emergency Financial Assistance to help prevent homelessness, including utility assistance, rent and mortgage help, Angel Tree Christmas gifts, and residential camp opportunities for children. You may also qualify for electricity help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Financial assistance is subject to funding availability.
• Emergency Shelter for those in immediate need of a safe place to stay.
• Family Transitional Services for families working toward housing stability.
• Rehabilitation Programs for those dealing with substance addiction.
• Disaster Services that respond to natural disasters, offering food, water, supplies, and pastoral care.
• Pathway of Hope, a case management program to help individuals and families move toward self-sufficiency.

Facilities

The Salvation Army operates a Thrift Store where you can find clothing, furniture, and household items.

Ways to Give

You can support The Salvation Army of Sarasota County in several ways:

• Donate money online at the donation page, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). You can give a one-time gift or become a monthly sustainer.
• Donate goods such as clothing, furniture, and household items through satruck.org.
• Become a fundraiser by creating your own campaign to support the cause at give.salvationarmyusa.org.

How to Join the Team?

Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year at The Salvation Army of Sarasota County. You can fill out an online volunteer application on the Volunteer page. A background check may be required depending on your role, and there's a $20 fee if you're completing court-ordered community service hours. If your role involves working with children or vulnerable adults, you'll also need to complete Safe From Harm training before you begin.

For questions, contact Volunteer Manager Lindsey Schroeder at 941-552-5175 or write to P.O. Box 2792, Sarasota, FL 34230. You can also download the Volunteer Handbook to learn more before applying.