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We could not be more thrilled to share that the Manatee Chamber of Commerce has named Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee Nonprofit of the Year! This incredible honor highlights the impact we are making together with our volunteers, donors, board members and community partners. To be recognized among so many outstanding nonprofits in Manatee County is both humbling and inspiring.
We are also excited to announce that we were voted a Gold winner in the Bradenton’s Best Awards. Because this recognition comes directly from our community, it means the world to us and reminds us how much our neighbors value the work we do every day.
And on top of that, we have earned national recognition with a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator and Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid. These honors celebrate our commitment to transparency, accountability, and making the most of every gift entrusted to us.
| | Matching Gift Opportunity | | |
We are excited to share some big news! The Deerbrook Fund has offered a generous $50,000 matching gift for The Food Bank of Manatee expansion project. That means every dollar you give right now will be doubled, providing twice the impact for our neighbors in need. Don’t miss this chance to make your gift go further.
This matching opportunity builds on the incredible momentum already created by a transformational $2 million lead gift from Steve and Natalee Herrig. Their generosity laid the foundation for this expansion, and now your support can help bring it to life even faster.
The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in Manatee County and the largest hunger-relief organization in our community. Our services are a lifeline to babies, children, families, and seniors, and we are also a critical source of relief in times of crisis, like hurricane recovery.
This expansion project will allow us to better serve food-insecure residents across the county with improvements in infrastructure, technology, and outreach. Together, we can make sure no one in Manatee County goes hungry. Click below to learn more!
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On August 9th, the Bradentucky Bombers laced up their skates and hit the track against Swan City, and The Food Bank of Manatee was proud to be the featured charity of the night.
Thanks to the support of derby fans, 162 pounds of food was collected for The Food Bank of Manatee and additional donations were made through raffle entries. These donations will help us continue to feed families, children, and seniors right here in our community.
The energy in the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex was electric, and the night ended on a high note with the Bradentucky Bombers skating away with the win!
We are grateful to the Bombers for choosing to support The Food Bank of Manatee a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS, and to everyone who brought canned goods, bought raffle tickets, and cheered from the stands. Together, we scored big for hunger relief in Manatee County.
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Home-delivered Meals: A Lifeline for Seniors
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Every day, hundreds of seniors across Manatee County depend on Meals on Wheels PLUS for nutritious meals delivered right to their door. Our Home-delivered Meals program is more than just food, it is comfort, connection, and peace of mind.
Along with freshly prepared meals, clients also receive fruits, vegetables, and even pet food for their four-legged companions. Volunteers and staff provide wellness checks during deliveries and weekly phone calls, helping ensure that clients are not just fed, but also cared for and remembered.
The impact is clear in the words of one of our clients: “The Home-delivered Meals are a huge financial help and they also provide a daily dinner meal that’s good nutrition.”
This program is only possible thanks to the generosity of donors, the dedication of volunteers, and the support of our funding partners. Together, we are providing more than meals, we are providing independence, dignity, and hope.
| | A Masterpiece Morning at Palmetto Friendship Dining | | |
Creativity was in full swing at the Palmetto Friendship Dining Center as participants enjoyed a “Masterpiece in the Morning” painting session. Inspired by the fun of “painting with a twist”, everyone had the chance to put a brush to canvas and create their own work of art.
The room was filled with laughter and plenty of smiles as canvases came to life. Beyond the paint, it was about friendship, connection, and the joy of trying something new together.
Programs like these remind us that our Friendship Dining program is more than just a place to share a meal, it is a place to share experiences, build community, and celebrate creativity at any age.
| | Music Day at Daybreak Adult Day Center | | |
Music has a special way of bringing people together, and that is exactly what happened during Music Day at Daybreak Adult Day Center! The room was filled with rhythm and song as participants tapped along during a rhythmic drum circle, and shared plenty of smiles.
Activities like these are more than just fun, they support memory, lift spirits, and strengthen social connections for those we serve.
Want to learn more about Daybreak Adult Day Center and the programs we offer? Click below!
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We’re so excited to announce that we’re featured in Target Circle™!
Vote for us in the Target app to direct Target funds that support our work.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Choose ‘My Target’ in the Target app or ‘Account’ on Target.com
Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’
Step 3: Find us & vote
Voting is open now and ends on September 30th.
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We are excited to announce that Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee has been selected to participate in the 1905 Family of Restaurants' 28th Annual Community Harvest this September!
This September, 5% of your guest check will be donated to the non-profit you choose, just make sure to vote for Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee when you dine at any of the seven Columbia Restaurant locations, or at Cha Cha Coconuts, Ulele, or Casa Santo Stefano.
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The Gulf Coast Corvette Club is hosting its Annual Charity Car Show benefitting The Food Bank of Manatee!
- Saturday, November 8, 2025
- 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
- Registration is $20 at the gate
- Joey D's Chicago Style Eatery- 6401 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, Fl
- Accepting non-perishable food donations for The Food Bank!
All proceeds benefit The Food Bank of Manatee, supporting local families in need.
For more information click here.
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Lace up for a Thanksgiving tradition!
The Bradenton Runners Club Turkey Trot 3-Miler is back on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Robinson Preserve.
Kids’ Fun Run kicks off at 7:30 AM, and the 3-Miler starts at 8:00 AM. Proceeds benefit The Food Bank of Manatee, One More Child, and Turning Points, helping local families right here in our community.
Sign up today: Bradenton Turkey Trot
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On Sunday, October 5, we will once again come together for Stuff the Bus, a community-wide effort to collect food donations for the only Food Bank based on Manatee County, The Food Bank of Manatee.
This event is made possible thanks to the generosity of our presenting sponsor, Mosaic. We are also deeply grateful to United Way Suncoast, the School District of Manatee County, and Publix for their continued partnership. Their leadership and commitment help bring people together for a cause that touches thousands of lives in our community.
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We are excited to welcome the cooler weather and all the events that make the fall such a special time for Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. As we gear up for our 25th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Lakewood Ranch Main Street, we are excited to open our ticket sales and sponsorships. This event, proudly sponsored by Neal Communities, benefits The Food Bank of Manatee, the only food bank based in our community, and the largest hunger relief organization in Manatee County.
We invite you to purchase your tickets and sponsorships today for this sell-out event! Local restaurants are invited to donate delicious soups for event attendees to enjoy. The Food Bank of Manatee is turning 40 years old this year making this celebration extra special.
Join us! Purchase tickets and sponsorships by clicking here!
Also, just two days after our Lakewood Ranch Main Street event, we invite you to join us at TerraNova Equestrian for a beautiful luncheon featuring delicious soup and an amazing experience on the beautiful TerraNova Equestrian grounds. Click here to purchase tickets for the TerraNova Event on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 11am-2pm.
| | Food Distribution Programs |September 2025 | | If you are a senior needing meals delivered to your home, we can help! Our Home-delivered Meals program is available to Manatee County residents. | | The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, provides non-perishable food items to local food pantries and soup kitchens. | | |
Our Mobile Produce Pantry will be out and about in the community providing fresh and nutritious produce free of charge.
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