Winn-Dixie's Summer Backpack Hunger Relief Program

Local food banks, including The Food Bank of Manatee, are preparing for the upcoming school year and the fight against childhood hunger. Winn-Dixie has launched the Summer Backpack Hunger Relief Program in all stores to help the one out of five children in Florida who don’t know where their next meal will come from. Customers are encouraged to donate at any store register July 16 through August 19 to help provide meals for healthy minds and bodies to thrive in the classroom. Every dollar donated will go directly to regional food banks to help fill backpacks with nutritious, fresh foods. Give a dollar. Help fill a backpack.
“As a community food provider, no issue touches the heart of our customers and associates more than childhood hunger,” said Rondel Hartwell, Winn-Dixie’s director of community involvement and charitable giving. “It’s our belief that no child should ever go hungry and that every child deserves nutritious meals and a healthy start to life.”

Added Hartwell, “the Winn-Dixie Summer Backpack Hunger Relief Program provides a quick and easy way for our communities to help give hungry children a nutritious meal.”

We encourage you to help us make a difference for hungry children by visiting your neighborhood Winn-Dixie store.  By making a donation of your choice at the register while you do your grocery shopping through August 19th, you can help The Food Bank of Manatee "White Out" hunger for children.  

Empty Bowls - 2014

Save the date for Empty Bowls 2014, the annual benefit luncheon for
The Food Bank of Manatee. 

Guests of this event enjoy a variety of soups provided by local restaurants with fresh bread and then select a unique, handcrafted ceramic bowl to keep. 

The event will be held at 2 locations.  On Thursday, November 6th, join us at Main Street Lakewood Ranch.  On Friday, November 7th, join us at Renaissance on 9th.  Tickets to either event are just $25 per person.  Additional details will be provided here and on our website as they become available.

The symbolic meal of soup and bread demonstrates that together, we can fill the empty bowls of our neighbors in need.  

Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available!  Call 941-749-0100 for more information.

Urgent Need for Volunteer Drivers

Have you ever considered that hope, health and happiness could be hand-delivered in just a few hours a week?

"As a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, I am not only delivering a hot nutritious meal, I am delivering love," said Laurie Fox, volunteer and Seniors Real Estate Specialist with Coldwell Banker.  "A simple smile or kind word means the world to some of these special people who eagerly await for us to arrive!"

With the summer months upon us, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is asking community members to help fill the need for Volunteer Drivers to deliver hot-nutritious meals to home-bound seniors.

The time requirement for delivering meals is approximately 1 to 1-1/2 hours, one day per week.  Meals are prepared at the Meals on Wheels PLUS kitchen at 811 23rd Avenue East in Bradenton, and delivered by volunteers between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“Assistance from the community is crucial to our operations,” said Maribeth Phillips, CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS. “We simply could not provide the nutrition and support to local people in need without the help of our volunteers.”

For additional information about volunteering or any other Meals on Wheels PLUS programs, please call 941-747-4655 or visit www.mealsonwheelsplus.org.

Eat Well. Do Good. Help Meals on Wheels PLUS by dining at Columbia Restaurant in September

Let your appetite do the giving while you support Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee by dining at the St. Armands Circle - Columbia Restaurant location!

During the month of September, the Columbia Restaurant will host the 17th Annual Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest. This program has been developed by the Gonzmart family of the Columbia Restaurant to benefit many worthy non-profit organizations.

Through this program, The Columbia donates 5% of all guests’ lunch and dinner checks to the charitable organizations chosen by their customers during September.  The Community Harvest occurs in all of the Columbia locations including Ybor City in the historic district of Tampa, St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, St. Augustine, Sand Key on Clearwater Beach, Central Florida’s Town of Celebration, the Columbia Cafe on the Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa at the Tampa Bay History Center and the Columbia Restaurant Cafe at Tampa International Airport.  All Columbia locations are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Meals on Wheels PLUS will be listed on the ballot at the Columbia Restaurant at St. Armands Circle in Sarasota.  

“We started this program in 1998 as a way to help many of the worthy non-profit groups that are so important to our communities,” said 4th generation family member and president Richard Gonzmart.  “We thought the best way to do this was by letting our customers get involved in selecting the organizations.  The process is simple.  They just put a check mark next to one of the charitable organizations listed on a form we provide. They turn it in to their server.  We do the rest, and donate 5% to the charity.”  

Over the past 16 years, the Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest has donated more than $1.5 million to non-profit organizations throughout Florida.   For more information, visit www.ColumbiaRestaurant.com

Do you have a Hurricane Box?

As those of us on the Suncoast know, it is officially hurricane season. This is the time of year when we stock up on bottled water, set aside canned food, and ensure that legal documents are in a safe, waterproof container. I call it "the hurricane box" and everything important is there. Whether it's storm season or not, all essential documents should be in one place. The list below is a great resource in your planning. And don't forget to assign an out-of-town person as your emergency contact, letting them know where these documents can be found...just in case!

2014 Giving Challenge - Thank You!

Many thanks to all of the Meals on Wheels PLUS supporters who participated in the 2014 Giving Challenge!

The annual Giving Challenge aligned with a national "Give Local" giving day, during which more than 60 communities participated in online giving events.  During the course of 24 hours (May 5 and 6), a total of  $3,127,801 was donated by our generous local community to the benefit of approximately 400 local charitable organizations.  Meals on Wheels PLUS was proud to received more than $13,000 of that total! Thank You!

The 2014 Giving Challenge was presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County in partnership with The Patterson Foundation, with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Manatee Community Foundation, William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, and the Charlotte Community Foundation.

Medical Clinic for Rent at Renaissance on 9th

Do you know a medical professional in search of an office?  We have just the place for you! Renaissance on 9th has a turn-key office currently available, complete with built in client base!  This office is ready for a physician to walk in with stethoscope in hand and start practicing.  Space includes two Exam Rooms complete with exam tables, outside sink, private bathroom, waiting room and private reception area all accessible from a private entrance. Potential signage location on monument sign on 9th Street West available to allow capture of new clientele.  This is an unusual opportunity.  Landlord is willing to get creative with leasing strategy.  A "must see".

For more information, contact Susan H. Goldstein at 941-350-9747 or susangoldstein@thecomercialspecialist.com.

Take the Challenge - 1,000 Pounds

As school lets out, hunger sets in for Manatee County children.  The Food Bank of Manatee is hoping to White Out Hunger by keeping the shelves stocked for kids in need this summer.    

Manatee County Government officials and Manatee School District representatives have issued a Grand Challenge and we’re asking you for your help!

Manatee County Leaders are challenging local businesses, faith-based and civic groups, clubs, and communities to help by collecting 1,000 pounds of food or raising $1,000 (or a combination of the two) during the month of June.

With over 24,000 children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals in Manatee County, the loss of this school-based nutritious food program during the summer months presents an immense challenge to parents who are already squeezing every penny out of their budgets.

How can you help?  Collect the items needed most: Canned goods, Rice, Beans, Pasta, Peanut Butter, Baby Food, Formula, and Diapers, and Cash.  You can call (941)747-4655 or visit www.foodbankofmanatee.org to obtain a food drive kit, including a Food Bank collection barrel.  The Food Bank of Manatee will deliver the barrel and pick it up when it’s full. 

We ask that you help in any way possible to help feed those in need in our community.  Hunger has no season and the need is so great during the summer months.  Please encourage your employees, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to get involved, too! 

Please contact Jill McGarry, Marketing Manager, at (941)749-0100 if you would like more information about the Grand Challenge or the Food Bank of Manatee.

OnShore OffShore Boat Show Benefits Meals on Wheels PLUS

The Onshore Offshore Boat Show returns to the newly renovated Bradenton Area Convention Center (formerly Manatee Civic Center) June 20-22, 2014.  Attendees will be able to browse a vast selection of new boats, along with boating accessories, fishing gear, and much more.

New this year, the Captain Joe Fishing School!  Baits, tackle and line for these hands-on seminars (lead by expert anglers) is provided. Depending on the topic, participants rig lures, tie knots, or learn how to throw a cast net.

Community Day Sunday
Half of all ticket sales on Sunday, June 22nd benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, courtesy of Bright House Network!

Admission and Hours
Admission to the show is $5.00.  Kids ages 12 and under are free. Parking is free all weekend.

Show hours are 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Friday;
10 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Saturday; and
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

The Bradenton Area Convention Center is located off US HWY 301/41 in Palmetto, just across the river from downtown Bradenton.

For more information including speaker schedules visit the event website at www.onshoreoffshoreboatshow.com

Have You Heard About Our Care & Share Food Giveaways?

The Food Bank of Manatee has established monthly "Care and Share" food giveaways in Manatee County, with the support of Peace River Electric Cooperative and the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.  Local businesses can sponsor a food giveaway at their location (or we help select one).  The events benefit low-income households - some of the 49,000+ local people living in poverty.  


Since October, we have given away more than 40,000 pounds of food throughout 6 Care and Share Giveaways! For more information on this program, or how your company can participate, contact Blane Turpin at (941)747-4655 or bturpin@foodbankofmanatee.org.  

Host Your Event at Renaissance on 9th

Planning an event? Renaissance on 9th is the Bradenton area’s premier meeting and event venue, offering elegant and full-service rental space for all types of gatherings.  You can see all of the offerings on our new website! From small to large, warm and intimate to elegant and formal, the Catering & Events team at Renaissance on 9th is committed to making your event extraordinary. 


Some of the many kinds of events we host:

Non-Profit Events ~ Weddings ~ Luncheons ~ Cocktail Receptions ~ Dinner Parties ~ Anniversaries ~ Holiday Parties ~ Birthday Celebrations ~ Corporate Meetings ~ Graduations ~ Quinceneras ~ Elegant Plated Breakfasts, Luncheons or Dinners ~ Buffet-Style Feasts ~ Chef Attended Carving Stations ~ Specialty Themed Stations ~ Cocktail Receptions

We pride ourselves in our professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the process of planning and executing your special event.   Let us help you with all the celebration and occasions of your life, so you can sit back and enjoy with your guests. Call us at (941)749-0100 for more information.

White Out Hunger!

The Food Bank of Manatee, in partnership with Manatee County Government and the School Board of Manatee, is kicking off a summer hunger campaign. Community support from local businesses, organizations, camps and individuals will help stock the shelves at the Food Bank of Manatee for kids who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year.  There are over 24,000 children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals in Manatee County. The loss of this school-based nutritious food program during the summer months presents an immense challenge to parents who are already squeezing every penny out of their budgets.
How can you help?  Donate non-perishable goods (beans, rice, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, canned proteins) or funds and encourage your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to get involved too! 

Or attend one of these great events to help support White Out Hunger:

• "Charity Happy Hour" on Thursday, May 29th from 5p - 7p at Halfway at AMOB Landside!  Guest bartenders Amanda & John Horne, Chris Whittaker and David Scherer will entertain and pour drinks with all tips benefitting The Food Bank of Manatee.  All the details can be found here.

• Join us on Thursday, June 5th for a fabulous evening of food and libations at the Scherer residence, a private waterfront home in Bradenton, as we attempt to "White Out" Hunger in Manatee County!  The evening will feature delicious Hor d'oevres, Cocktails, Raffles and Live Music. Tickets are $50 ($25 is tax-deductible) and can be purchased here.  All proceeds from the event will benefit The Food Bank of Manatee.  Wear White!

Tropical Nights - Vegas Lights: Thank You!

Our heartfelt thanks to all of the organizations and individuals who participated in this year's Tropical Nights event!  A sold out crowd of 300 guests enjoyed live music, food, cocktails, a photo booth and dancing in the Chill Lounge, exciting Silent Auction and raffle packages and a chance to try their hand against Lady Luck at fabulous casino-style games. The Vegas Lights were truly shining and our supporters are the reason why!  

Event photos are now available on our Facebook Page and photobooth pictures can be found here! 


View a brief video that premiered at Tropical Nights about the programs and services of Meals on Wheels PLUS!