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!