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.

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