Local Ice
When you sink your teeth into a Hawaiian-style shave ice from Local Ice this summer, you are doing so much more than just enjoying a cool, refreshing treat. Imagine being part of an initiative that is feeding thousands of local families, creating a community, and providing a sense of purpose to a multitude of people living in our area.
That’s exactly the mission that pastors Frann and Tony Faeth and their three children, Christina, Tony, and Joel, carry out daily. Local Ice is a first-of-its-kind nonprofit shave ice food truck that has partnered with Faith to Faeth Ministries, Inc., a member of All Faiths Food Bank. One hundred percent of the profits go directly to providing local families, single parents, and the elderly with free groceries, which are distributed monthly at The Church SRQ. In the past five months the impact from Local Ice generated 152,301 pounds of food totaling $254,342, serving 3,174 people, 2,271 of whom were children.
“We’re able to do all of this because of that,” Frann Faeth says, directing her eyes towards the colorful truck.
With a successful jewelry business and a passion for outreach, Frann knew she was being called to do something else, something more. In 2013 she had the opportunity to take over the Victory at SRQ church. Even though Frann and Tony never thought of themselves as ministers, without hesitation she said “absolutely.” Their ministry continued and they began The Church SRQ, which would soon serve as their vehicle to fulfill needs within the local community.
A lightbulb went on when a friend was selling their food truck on the church parking lot. Frann wanted to start a shave ice business serving the cool treat the family used to enjoy in their hometown of Springfield, Illinois, prior to moving to Sarasota. They purchased and renovated the food truck and everything began rolling into place.
Their shave ice is known as “the softest sno in town.” Each child has a part in it: Christina thought up the name and helps with social media, Tony designed the logo, and Joel came up with some inventive flavors including Endless Summer (pineapple, mango, and passionfruit); Buccaneer (black cherry and vanilla); and Ringling (coconut and cherry).
With the profits they buy nonperishable food supplies from All Faiths Food Bank, which include staples like mac & cheese, taco dinners, peanut butter, breakfast items, and little extras including candy and fruit snacks. Each box of groceries has 20–30 items.
They are helping people who help themselves, hardworking individuals who may need just a little help from time to time. Grocery distribution takes place on the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon at The Church SRQ, 3675 Clark Road in Sarasota.
While the truck “lives” on the church’s parking lot, it’s mobile and is available for school, business, and community and private events. They even serve at weddings, creating a memorable and cool way to send guests off, especially during the warm summer months.
Along with the incredible impact, you can feel a surge of good energy surrounding the community Frann and her family have built through Local Ice. Together they are giving purpose to so many people of all ages and backgrounds who play an instrumental part in the 100 percent volunteer-based operation.
“This brings the local community together. Everyone has a place,” Frann says. “The truck gave people in the church a purpose and it finances the means to do it.”
► To learn more, visit localsrq.com and follow LocalIceSRQ on Facebook and Instagram.
