AngelFISH Past Projects

2023-2024

Food Box Program

post-Hurricane Ian relief

CHALLENGE
After Hurricane Ian, widespread food insecurity affected island residents. FISH’s building sustained severe damage, leaving the organization without electricity or water for an extended period. This resulted in limited pantry operations, restricted access to perishable goods, and urgent needs among residents—many of whom were living in homes without plumbing, refrigeration, or cooking appliances.

SOLUTION
FISH launched the Food Box Program with support from the AngelFISH Society to meet the urgent nutritional needs of island families. The program focused on providing fresh foods not typically available through the pantry, with rapid distribution or delivery to ensure safety and accessibility. In some cases, boxes also included grilling supplies to accommodate households without functional kitchens.

OUTCOME
The program successfully provided fresh food boxes to 52 island households during a period of significant hardship. This flexible and responsive solution ensured families received nutritious food despite infrastructure challenges and supported basic needs during the recovery phase.

2022

Weekly Fresh Meals

a backpack supplement

CHALLENGE
Over 26,400 children in Lee County are food insecure and lack access to nutritious food, worsened by rising grocery prices and reduced access to school meals during school breaks, weekends and summertime.

SOLUTION
FISH expanded its year-round Backpack Program to include a “Fresh Meals” component. Each week, families received a kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare fresh meal kit complete with ingredients and a recipe. The meals often followed fun and culturally themed concepts (e.g., Meatless Monday, Asian Month) and encouraged family engagement and cooking together at home.

OUTCOME
In 2022, FISH distributed 4,041 backpacks. The Fresh Meals supplement provided fresh meals weekly, equating to 4 servings per meal and encouraged family connection and life skill development. The program supported children’s physical and mental health, academic success, and well-being through improved nutrition.

2021

Technology Access for Seniors

our inaugural year

CHALLENGE
Many island seniors faced isolation and disconnection from family, community, and vital services due to limited access to modern technology.

SOLUTION
With support from the AngelFISH Society, FISH launched its first annual program focused on bridging the digital divide. The initiative provided seniors with tablets, laptops, smartphones, and other devices, along with hands-on technology training sessions.

OUTCOME
FISH surveyed 100 senior neighbors and received 41 responses. The following results helped guide the program’s success:

• 9 did not have internet access
• 4 did not own any technology device
• 11 owned a smartphone but not a computer or tablet. 7 of those 11 expressed interest in attending training classes for a computer or tablet
• 22 stated they would like training on using all electronic devices

The program successfully connected island seniors to the world around them—reducing isolation and empowering them to engage more fully in daily life. The effort made a meaningful impact, touching lives throughout the community and helping older adults stay connected to loved ones, services, and the wider world.