Over the past decade, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry has been a lifeline for families and individuals in Marco Island and Naples, Florida. What began as a modest local mission (founded by Jo Anne Lundquist, Shawnee Huff, Liz Pecora, Vicki Johnson, and Jennifer Ludwigsen), has grown into an independent 501c3 non-profit organization and trusted community resource, dedicated to addressing food insecurity with compassion, dignity, and innovation. Today, through its main pantry and expanding network of mobile pantries, Our Daily Bread reaches thousands of people each month, ensuring that no neighbor goes hungry. We sat down with both Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan, Executive Director, and Allyson Richards, Board of Directors Chair, to understand more about their mission and future plans:
Meeting a Growing Need
Southwest Florida is known for its scenic beaches, thriving tourism, and welcoming neighborhoods, but behind the beauty lies a hidden challenge: food insecurity. Rising housing costs, seasonal employment, and the growing needs of seniors and working families make it difficult for many to keep food on the table. Our Daily Bread steps in to fill this gap, providing nutritious groceries and household essentials free of charge to anyone in need.
The pantry operates on a simple yet profound mission: to share God’s love by providing food and support to those struggling with hunger. Each week, volunteers greet those in need with warmth and respect, helping them choose fresh produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples. By offering variety and quality, the pantry strives to maintain not only physical nourishment but also dignity for every person served.
Expanding Access with Mobile Pantries
Recognizing that transportation is often a barrier, especially for seniors and families without reliable vehicles, Our Daily Bread has extended its services through mobile pantries. These pop-up distributions bring food directly to neighborhoods in both Marco Island and Naples, expanding the pantry’s reach far beyond its brick-and-mortar location.
Mobile pantries are strategically scheduled and coordinated with local churches, schools, and community centers. Each serves hundreds of households, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, and shelf-stable items. For many, these mobile visits are the difference between going hungry and having meals for the week—especially during rainy, hurricane and off-seasons.
This innovative approach reflects the pantry’s commitment to meeting people where they are—literally and figuratively. By reducing barriers, Our Daily Bread ensures that assistance is accessible to everyone who needs it.
Powered by Volunteers and Community Support
Our Daily Bread thrives thanks to the generosity of its volunteers and donors. Retirees, students, local businesses, and civic organizations all play a role in stocking shelves, packing bags, organizing mobile distributions, and fundraising. In 2024 alone, volunteers contributed tens of thousands of hours, proving that compassion and collaboration are at the heart of this mission.
Financial and food donations also make a significant impact. Local grocery stores, restaurants, and farms provide surplus food, while monetary contributions allow the pantry to purchase items in bulk. Every dollar donated translates into multiple meals, stretching resources to serve as many people as possible.
More Than Just Food
While groceries are the primary focus, Our Daily Bread recognizes that hunger is often tied to broader challenges. The pantry connects clients with additional resources, such as job training programs, healthcare referrals, and social services too. By addressing the root causes of food insecurity, the organization empowers families to move toward greater stability and independence.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Our Daily Bread remains committed to growing its impact. Plans include expanding mobile pantry operations, strengthening partnerships with local agencies, and continuing to respond to the evolving needs of Southwest Florida’s communities.
For Marco Island and Naples, Our Daily Bread is more than a pantry—it is a symbol of hope, compassion, and resilience. By nourishing bodies and uplifting spirits, it reminds us all of the power of neighbors helping neighbors.
Visit https://ourdailybreadfoodpantry.org for more information regarding donating and volunteering today!
Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan, Executive Director, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry says:
"At Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, we are committed to providing food, encouragement, and hope to every family who comes through our doors. We see this as giving a 'hand up' to those who live and/or work in our communities and need our support. We see food as being medicine for the soul."