Fueling Families This Summer
Food4Families
Right now, many families in our community are facing one of the most challenging times of the year - a hungry summer. For children who rely on meals during the academic year, the loss of those daily breakfasts and lunches creates a significant gap. That's where Food4Families/Sack Summer Hunger, a program of The Food Bank of Manatee and Meals on Wheels PLUS, steps in to ensure no child or family goes without.
This summer, The Food Bank of Manatee is proud to offer weekly food distributions every Friday* from June 5 through July 31, 2026. These thoughtfully prepared food packages are designed to make a meaningful impact providing breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to feed a family of five (5) for two (2) or more days.
By offering consistent weekly support, the program helps bridge the critical nutrition gap during the summer months, when families need it the most. Food4Families partners with the School District of Manatee County to work hand in hand to ensure children and their families continue to receive the nourishment they need to thrive.
Food4Families Distribution Locations beginning Friday, June 5th:
Turner Chapel
12:00pm - 1:00pm
317 11th St. Dr. West, Palmetto, FL 34221
Manatee Mobile Home Park
12:00pm - 1:00pm
2204 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208
Lincoln Park
1:15pm - 2:15pm
501 17th Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221
Pride Park
1:15pm - 2:15pm
6032 9th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34203
*Distribution for June 19 will take place on Wednesday, June 17.
*Distribution for July 3 will take place on Thursday July 2.
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Mobile Produce Pantry:
In addition to weekly food distributions, families can also benefit from The Food Bank of Manatee's Mobile Produce Pantry, bringing fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables directly into neighborhoods.
Dates:
Thursday June 18th, Thursday July 16th, and Thursday August 20th.
Locations:
Pride Park
8:00am-10:00am
6032 9th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34203
Samoset First Baptist Church
8:00am - 10:00am
3200 15th St. E, Bradenton, FL 34208
First Baptist Church of Ellenton
1:00pm - 3:00pm
1707 36th Ave. E., Palmetto, FL 34221
This initiative not only supports healthy eating but also increases access to fresh produce in areas where it may otherwise be limited.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO FEED THOSE IN NEED
THIS SUMMER
The success of the Food4Families summer program and our Mobile Produce Pantry depend on the generosity and compassion of our community. Donate today to help feed Manatee County residents in need! Your financial support helps to purchase food to provide to babies, children, families, and seniors who are hungry.
Volunteers are the heart of our mission. Those who donate their time and energy to our important programs directly impact families across Manatee County. Register to volunteer for the PLUS programs by clicking here.
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End the Wait
INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT
We're proud to be part of Meals on Wheels America’s Collaborative Accelerator Project, made possible by The Caesars Foundation! In May, we joined fellow Meals on Wheels providers on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to increase funding for the Older Americans Act — because every senior deserves access to nutritious meals, connection, and the support they need to remain healthy and independent at home. Together, we're working to End the Wait and ensure every senior who needs assistance can receive it!
Donate in support of our Home-delivered Meals program by clicking here.
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During the month of June, Dine & Donate to The Food Bank of Manatee and Meals on Wheels PLUS when you eat out at any of these amazing local restaurants:
- Central Cafe
- The Granary
- Taverna Toscana
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Gecko's Grill and Pub (Braden River and Twelve Oaks Locations)
It's so easy to show your support! When you Dine & Donate, you help to #FeedManatee! More information is available at: https://mealsonwheelsplus.org/donate/summer-hunger-dine-and-donate/
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Friday November 13, 2026
11:00 am-1:00 pm
Lakewood Ranch Main Street,
8100 Main Street, Bradenton, FL
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Saturday, December 12, 2026
4:00 pm-6:00 pm
Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge
4602 Lena Road, Bradenton, FL
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Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive was a Community Success
On Saturday, May 9th, our community came together to make a meaningful impact through the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, collecting 12,587 pounds of food for The Food Bank of Manatee and Meals on Wheels PLUS. This effort—powered locally by dedicated postal workers, volunteers, and generous residents—proved to be a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when neighbors support neighbors.
Mail carriers and volunteers worked side-by-side collecting non-perishable food donations left by residents near their mailboxes. The outpouring of generosity was evident across participating locations, with bags and boxes of food steadily filling collection bins throughout the day.
A tremendous amount of coordination made the event possible. Postal workers not only carried out their regular delivery duties but also took on the added responsibility of collecting donations along their routes. Volunteers played a key role by unloading, sorting, and organizing the donated food. Their teamwork ensured that the food collected will quickly reach those who need it most, helping to stock The Food Bank of Manatee's shelves at a critical time of year when donations are lower.
We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, residents who donated, postal workers who went above and beyond, and volunteers who gave their time and energy. Your collective efforts turned a simple act of giving into a significant community achievement.
The Stamp Out Hunger annual food collection is sponsored by the United States Postal Service and the Postal Workers Union. The Food Bank of Manatee is glad to receive a portion of the donations. Thank you!
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The Food Bank of Manatee provides nutritional assistance and caring, supportive services to individuals in need throughout Manatee County by distributing food through local non-profit partner agencies and food pantries, and through direct services to the community.
FIND FOOD | DONATE FOOD | VOLUNTEER | FOOD DRIVES
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Nutrition Addition Program - Nourishing Our Community
At The Food Bank of Manatee and Meals on Wheels PLUS, the mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure neighbors in Manatee County have access to the nutritious food they need to live a healthy and independent life. Through a range of programs designed to serve seniors and homebound residents, the organization continues to make a meaningful impact across the community.
One standout initiative is the Nutrition Addition Program, which enhances traditional Home-delivered Meal services to our clients that fall below the poverty line, by providing extra food support to clients who need it most.
For many homebound clients, meal deliveries are essential. These meals provide a reliable source of nutrition and a vital connection to the outside world. However, maintaining adequate nutrition requires more for those living on just one meal a day—especially for individuals with limited mobility, transportation challenges, or fixed income.
Recognizing this need, we created the Nutrition Addition Program to ensure clients who fall below the poverty level, have access to additional food throughout the month.
The Nutrition Addition Program provides a supplemental bag of non-perishable food items delivered once a month to eligible Home-delivered Meal clients. These bags are thoughtfully prepared to include easy-to-use, shelf-stable items that can help fill in nutritional gaps between regular meal deliveries.
Typical items may include:
- Shelf-stable soups
- Cereal and granola bars
- Peanut butter or other protein-rich foods
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Simple, ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare options
These items are selected with clients’ needs in mind—offering both convenience and balanced nutrition.
The impact of the Nutrition Addition Program extends far beyond the contents of each bag. It plays a critical role in supporting the overall well-being of participants. While daily meals are essential, extra snacks and pantry items help ensure clients have enough food to meet their dietary needs around the clock. Clients can make their own choices about meals and snacks, supporting their sense of independence and dignity.
The success of the Nutrition Addition Program reflects the strength and compassion of the community. From sourcing and packing food to delivering it directly to clients’ doors, staff and volunteers work together to ensure every delivery is meaningful.
Each bag represents more than nourishment—it’s a reminder that someone cares.
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Our Home-delivered Meals program provides nutritious meals for those in need in our community. All Home-delivered Meals are approved by a registered dietitian.
REGISTER | PRODUCE ON WHEELS | PET PROGRAM | VOLUNTEER
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Monthly Nutrition Highlights: Smart & Simple Snack Swaps
At Daybreak Adult Day Center, we believe that small, everyday choices can make a big impact on overall health and well-being. Each month, we provide clients with practical nutrition tips that are easy to follow and delicious to enjoy. The theme for May was Healthy Snack Choices—because the right snack can help boost energy, support heart health, and keep you feeling your best throughout the day.
Choosing healthier snacks doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple swaps—like trading a muffin for whole grain toast with peanut butter—can support better nutrition, more stable energy, and overall wellness.
We’re proud to support our clients with practical, enjoyable nutrition education each month. Stay tuned for more helpful tips, and let’s keep making smart choices together!
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At Daybreak Adult Day Center, we provide a safe, secure environment with social, and therapeutic activities designed to meet the needs of older adults who live at home with a loved one but cannot be left alone while their caregiver works or attends to other responsibilities.
EVENT CALENDAR | REGISTER | VOLUNTEER | DONATE
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REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH: GRAND OPENING OF NEW FRIENDSHIP DINING LOCATION
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Friendship Dining location in West Bradenton, a vibrant gathering place designed to bring older adults together for nourishment, connection, and enrichment. This welcoming program is part of a broader effort to support individuals aged 60 and over by offering opportunities to build friendships, stay active, and engage with the community—all while enjoying a nutritious meal.
The Friendship Dining Program is much more than just lunch—it’s a hub of social activity and lifelong learning. Participants are invited to connect with peers, meet new friends, and take part in a wide range of engaging experiences. From educational presentations by local experts to interactive and creative activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Since opening its doors, the Redeemer Lutheran Church Friendship Dining location has already made a meaningful impact. The site recently welcomed 15 new participants to its popular Friday gatherings, a strong sign of the community’s enthusiasm and need for programs like this. These weekly meetings are quickly becoming a highlight for attendees, offering a consistent opportunity to come together in a warm and inclusive environment.
Every Friendship Dining client receives a carefully prepared meal that provides one-third of the recommended daily nutritional allowance for seniors, helping support health and well-being. But just as important as the meal itself is the sense of community that comes with it. Sharing food together fosters conversation, laughter, and a sense of belonging that can make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
The program offers a rich variety of activities designed to keep participants active, engaged, and inspired. These include:
- Arts and crafts projects
- Live or recorded music experiences
- Holiday celebrations
- Card games and bingo
- Creative workshops and more
These activities encourage both mental stimulation and social interaction, helping participants stay connected and engaged.
Our network of Friendship Dining Centers is conveniently located throughout East and West Manatee County, ensuring accessibility for seniors across the region. Each site shares the same mission: to provide a welcoming space where older adults can gather, learn, and thrive.
If you or someone you know is over 60 and looking for a place to connect, learn, and enjoy a nutritious meal, the Friendship Dining Program at Redeemer Lutheran Church is the perfect place to start. With its growing community and diverse programming, it’s quickly becoming a cornerstone of fellowship and support.
Come for the meal—stay for the friendships.
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The Friendship Dining Program is for people over 60 who would like to make new friends, participate in fun activities, and hear from local experts on a variety of topics, as well as enjoy a nutritious meal.
EVENT CALENDAR | REGISTER | VOLUNTEER
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Bolt Transport Gives Back to Fight Summer Hunger
Thank you, Bolt Transport for supporting local families and seniors facing food insecurity through your recent donation benefiting The Food Bank of Manatee and Meals on Wheels PLUS as part of Food4Families/Sack Summer Hunger, a community initiative focused on addressing increased hunger during the summer months. This donation will supply approximately 1,000 meals.
Summer can be an especially challenging time for individuals and families who rely on school meal programs and other seasonal support. Sack Summer Hunger works to close that gap by providing nutritious meals to children, families, and seniors when they need it most.
Bolt Transport’s donation reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement. By investing in trusted local nonprofits, Bolt aims to help strengthen the region and support programs that create lasting impact beyond a single season.
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Tropicana - Feeding Our Community Together
This month, we are proud to highlight an incredible partnership that is helping nourish families across Manatee County.
Thanks to a generous donation from Tropicana, The Food Bank of Manatee received 54,440 pounds of juice—a meaningful contribution that is already making a difference for the individuals and families we serve.
Through our ongoing partnership with the Florida Food Bank, we were able to secure this large-scale donation and efficiently coordinate its transportation and distribution throughout our network. Together, we ensured that this nutritious product quickly reached local pantries and meal programs, where it can be put to immediate use.
Access to healthy beverages like juice is not always guaranteed for families facing food insecurity. Donations like this help provide essential vitamins and a sense of normalcy at the table—especially for children and seniors.
We are grateful to Tropicana for their generosity and to the Florida Food Bank for their collaboration. Partnerships like these strengthen our ability to meet growing needs and ensure that no neighbor in Manatee County goes without.
If you know of food resources that can be put to use to feed those in need in Manatee County, please call us at 941-747-4655.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Suncoast Credit Union Volunteers Lend a Helping Hand
We are proud to shine this month's spotlight on our incredible partners at Suncoast Credit Union, whose continued generosity and hands-on support make a meaningful difference in our community.
Recently, a team of enthusiastic volunteers joined us to paint bowls for our upcoming Empty Bowls event in November. Their creativity, energy, and dedication remind us of our shared commitment to fighting hunger.
Suncoast Credit Union's support goes far beyond a single day of volunteering. As an annual sponsor, they play a vital role in helping us sustain programs that nourish local families. Their ongoing partnership is especially impactful through their support of our Sack Summer Hunger / Food4Families program, ensuring children and families have access to nutritious food during the critical summer months when school meals are unavailable.
We are deeply grateful for Suncoast Credit Union's continued investment in our mission and their unwavering belief in the power of community.
Interested in getting your team involved? Contact: Patty Ford
pford@mealsonwheelsplus.org
941-747-4655
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During the summer months, many children who rely on school meals for their daily nutrition face food insecurity. Please help our children this summer by donating cereal!
You can always Buy One GIVE One! Donate extra items you pick up at the store from the Buy One Get One Free promotions!
Drop off your non-perishable food items at all Manatee County Goodwill and Manatee County Public Library locations, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Lakewood Ranch Office, or anywhere you see yellow Food Bank of Manatee donation barrels.
Donations can also be dropped off at the following locations from 8:30 am–4 pm, Monday through Friday (limited operations on holidays).
- Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
811 23rd Ave. East, Bradenton, FL 34208
- Daybreak Adult Day Center
10920 State Road 70 East, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
www. MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org
The Food Bank of Manatee is a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
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