About Us

More Than a Food Pantry

Interfaith Charities of South Lee (ICSL) is a community-focused service organization proudly serving South Fort Myers, Estero,

and San Carlos Park.

Our mission is simple but powerful:

to feed the hungry

and provide hope and help to neighbors in need.

We take stewardship of donations seriously --

97% of every dollar and in-kind gift goes directly to our programs, making a real diffence in the lives we serve.

Our Story

Interfaith Charities was formed in 1992 by the San Carlos Park/Estero Ministerial Association. The founding churches sought a more effective way to provide assistance to those in need within the community.

Originally, ICSL's programs focused primarily on the needs of the elderly, offering respite care, Meals on Wheels, parish nursing, transportation to medical appointments and minor home repairs. As the community's demographics have evolved, ICSL has evolved its services to meet changing needs.

Today, our main focus is feeding the hungry. We receive donations from local stores, food banks, businesses, churches, communities, and individuals, and we also purchase fresh produce and dairy items. Registered clients have access to both perishable and shelf-stable items once a week.

In addition to our food programs, ICSL offers a financial assistance program to help clients pay past-due electric and water bills, supported through grants from United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades and Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation. For the past 18 years we have also served as a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site, providing free tax preparation to households and individuals earning less than $70,000 annually. We further assist clients with SNAP (food stamps)

and Medicaid applications.

Hear from some of our clients, staff, and volunteers about the difference

ICSL is making in the lives of the community!