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.