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The Harry Chapin Food Bank, recognized as the largest hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida and a proud partner of Feeding America, has thrilling news to share. It has been selected as the beneficiary of the Seminole Casino Hotel’s esteemed “Change for Change” program, which has proven to be a vital source of support for local communities.
Throughout the month of November, visitors to Seminole Casino Hotel will have a unique opportunity to contribute to this noble cause by donating the change received on their redemption tickets as they cash out. Every penny raised during this campaign will directly fund Harry Chapin Food Bank’s dedicated efforts to combat hunger in the Southwest Florida region.
“We are genuinely thrilled to participate once again in the Seminole Casino Hotel’s ‘Change for Change’ program,” expressed Ann Prifrel, the chief development officer at Harry Chapin Food Bank. “This initiative not only helps us gather essential funds for our crucial programs but also plays a significant role in educating our community about the profound effects of food insecurity affecting countless individuals.”
Last year, the “Change for Change” program successfully raised approximately $8,800 for Harry Chapin Food Bank, underscoring the generosity of casino patrons.
“Our partnership with Harry Chapin Food Bank is immensely valuable, and we take pride in supporting the significant work they are doing in our community,” stated Tony Alves, general manager at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee. “Understanding that every dollar makes a difference, we are thankful to contribute to the ongoing battle against hunger.”
Food insecurity, characterized by a lack of reliable access to sufficient food for a healthy lifestyle, continues to be a pressing concern in Southwest Florida. According to estimates by Feeding America, over 177,000 individuals—including a staggering 41,000 children—are grappling with food insecurity across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties.
Leading the charge in the fight against food insecurity, Harry Chapin Food Bank provides vital support to more than 250,000 individuals each month through an extensive array of food distribution programs tailored to meet the needs of children, families, and seniors.
To join Harry Chapin Food Bank in its mission to eradicate hunger in Southwest Florida, we encourage you to visit harrychapinfoodbank.org.
About Harry Chapin Food Bank
Harry Chapin Food Bank plays a pivotal role as the foremost hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida. By rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste, the food bank distributes it to families, children, and seniors in need through its array of food distribution programs, collectively feeding over a quarter of a million people each month.
In 2022, Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed an impressive 35.7 million pounds of food, including 8.6 million pounds of fresh produce. This amount translates to an astounding 29 million meals provided to families facing hunger.
The food bank’s affiliation with Feeding America empowers it to expand its operational capacity, acquiring food from various retail outlets, national food producers, distributors, and local growers, both domestically and internationally.
Harry Chapin Food Bank is honored to be recognized as a Blueprint Partner by the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of the celebrated Naples Winter Wine Festival. Additionally, it stands as a proud United Way partner agency. For further information or to make a contribution, please call 239-334-7007 or explore harrychapinfoodbank.org.
About Seminole Casino Hotel
The Seminole Casino Hotel proudly stands as one of six casinos managed by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Renowned as the largest employer in Immokalee, it boasts a dedicated team of over 900 employees. Established in 1994, this casino has earned its reputation as Southwest Florida’s premier gaming destination, offering an extensive selection of table games alongside the latest slots and progressive slot machines native to American Indian culture. The casino also features high-stakes blackjack and mini-baccarat, along with an exclusive area for high-limit slot machine enthusiasts. The recently unveiled Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee encompasses 19 luxurious suites and 80 deluxe rooms, complete with an outdoor pool adorned with traditional Seminole Chickee Huts, a state-of-the-art Fitness Studio, and over 10,000 square feet of versatile event space. For more details, please visit casino.hardrock.com/immokalee.
**Interview with Ann Prifrel, Chief Development Officer at Harry Chapin Food Bank**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ann. The Harry Chapin Food Bank has recently been selected as the beneficiary of the Seminole Casino Hotel’s “Change for Change” program. Can you tell us a bit more about what this means for your organization?
**Ann Prifrel:** Thank you for having me! We are genuinely thrilled to be part of the Seminole Casino Hotel’s “Change for Change” program. This initiative not only provides vital funding for our hunger-relief efforts in Southwest Florida but also raises awareness about food insecurity in our community. Every donation made by casino patrons directly supports our mission to combat hunger and helps us continue our essential programs for those in need.
**Editor:** Last year, the “Change for Change” program raised about $8,800 for the food bank. How significant is that contribution to your overall operations?
**Ann Prifrel:** Every dollar makes a huge difference in our fight against hunger. The $8,800 raised last year helped us provide thousands of meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity. It’s uplifting to see the community rally around this cause, and we hope to exceed that amount this November!
**Editor:** Food insecurity is a growing concern in Southwest Florida, affecting over 177,000 individuals, including around 41,000 children. How does the Harry Chapin Food Bank address this pressing issue?
**Ann Prifrel:** Our mission is to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste and distribute it effectively to those in need. We reach over 250,000 individuals each month through various food distribution programs tailored specifically for families, children, and seniors. In 2022 alone, we distributed an impressive 35.7 million pounds of food. Our goal is to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
**Editor:** You mentioned the importance of raising awareness about food insecurity. How can people get involved or support your efforts beyond the “Change for Change” program?
**Ann Prifrel:** There are many ways to get involved! People can volunteer their time at our food bank, organize food drives, or make a financial contribution to support our programs. Additionally, we encourage everyone to visit our website at [harrychapinfoodbank.org](http://harrychapinfoodbank.org) for more information on ways to help. It’s crucial for our community to come together in this fight against hunger.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ann, for your dedicated work at Harry Chapin Food Bank and for sharing this important information with us. We wish you much success in the upcoming “Change for Change” campaign!
**Ann Prifrel:** Thank you! We appreciate the support and look forward to making a significant impact in our community together.
