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.

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.

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.

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.  

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!