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With the dedication and support of our donors, volunteers, and staff, we accomplished AMAZING things together in 2025!
The Food Bank of Manatee
- Over 3,550,000 pounds of food was distributed into the community.
- An average of 104 pantries and agencies partnered with us to help feed Manatee County residents.
- 33,500+ pounds of fresh produce were provided free of charge through the Mobile Produce Pantry distributions.
- Nearly 2,100 Emergency Baby Baskets including diapers, wipes, and formula were provided to infants in crisis during 2025.
- Nearly 200 families received Emergency Food Baskets from The Food Bank of Manatee.
- Close to 237,000 meals were provided through our Food4Families program (Including our Summer Distributions, distributions in response to the SNAP Crisis, Thanksgiving, and Holiday Distributions)
- 6,250+ pounds of pet food were distributed into the community to our clients and our pantry partners to help feed furry companions in need.
Home-delivered Meals
- Over 162,000 meals served to Home-delivered Meal Clients in 2025.
- Over 100 clients, on average, received pet food each month in 2025.
- An average of over 500 homebound and disabled seniors were cared for through our Home-delivered Meal program each month.
- 2,200+ Additional Supplemental Nutrition bags were provided to low-income seniors.
- Nearly 16,750 pounds of fresh produce was delivered through the Produce on Wheels program.
- Our Client Services Call Center received over 4,000 calls.
Daybreak Adult Day Center
- On average, 50 clients participated in programming each month during 2025.
Friendship Dining Centers
- An average of 30 clients participated in our Friendship Dining Center programs each month during 2025.
- Over 1,600 meals were provided to clients at our Friendship Dining Center sites.
Volunteer Services
- Nearly 23,300 volunteer hours were served in 2025.
- Nearly 270 new volunteers offered their time and talents to advance our mission.
- On average, 1,940 volunteer hours were served by our dedicated volunteers each month in 2025.
Transportation Services
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On average, nearly 45 clients received transportation to and from Daybreak Adult Day Center and Friendship Dining Centers each month.
Outreach
- Participated in nearly 60 community outreach events.
- Reached nearly 1,650 potential new clients with information about our life-changing and lifesaving programs!
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32nd Annual Tropical Nights: In the Wild West
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is proud to tip our hats and announce the 32nd Annual Tropical Nights In the Wild West! Saddle up and join us on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the beautiful Grove Ballroom in Lakewood Ranch, where the fun kicks off at 6 p.m. sharp.
You won’t want to miss a rip-roarin’ evening that includes our fun-filled saloon, amazing entertainment, mouth-watering vittles, and one heck of a Live and Online Auction lineup.
Thank you kindly for considering riding alongside us in support of our critical programs. There are four ways to show your grit and generosity at this shindig:
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DONATE AN AUCTION ITEM to our Live or Online Auctions. Gift baskets, gift certificates, one-of-a-kind experiences, event tickets, and sports memorabilia all help make this night one to remember. High-value items over $2,500 may be featured in the Live Auction. Auction items must be received by Wednesday, February 18th, to be included online, with bidding opening Thursday, February 26th at noon. Need help wrangling your donation? Give Patty or Kelly a holler at 941-747-4655, and we’ll ride over to pick it up.
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BECOME A SPONSOR OF TROPICAL NIGHTS 2026 and enjoy a front-row seat to all the action. Sponsorship details can be found at the link below.
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PURCHASE TICKETS TO ATTEND and enjoy an unforgettable night of good food, great entertainment, and even better company—all for a mighty-fine cause.
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CONTRIBUTE MATCHING FUNDS for the evening’s Paddle Raise and become our event Champion. To step up, please contact Amy at 941-747-4655.
From all of us at Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, thank you for supporting our lifesaving mission. We’re mighty grateful—and we sure hope to see you on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Location: Grove Ballroom
10670 Boardwalk Loop. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Date: Friday, March 6, 2026, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
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The Food Bank of Manatee
Holiday Food Distribution
On Monday, December 22, 2025, hundreds of cars lined up to receive our Food4Families Holiday Food Distribution. For parents, the distribution meant relief from the stress of choosing between bills and groceries. For children, it meant the comfort of familiar holiday foods and the joy of celebrating together. Thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners, families were able to focus on what matters most during the holidays: time together and the warmth of a home-cooked meal.
The Holiday Food Distribution is a powerful reminder of what our community can accomplish when we come together to care for one another. Because of your support, hundreds of Manatee County families experienced the holidays with nourishment, comfort, and hope. 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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Home- delivered Meals
Holiday Shoebox
During the holidays, a simple gift can mean everything - especially for seniors who live alone. Our Holiday Shoebox program brought smiles and heartfelt gratitude to low-income seniors across Manatee County, many of whom face isolation during the Christmas season.
Over 2,500 Holiday Shoeboxes were delivered to low-income seniors in Manatee County through our Holiday Shoebox Drive. Each thoughtfully packed shoebox was more than a gift; it was a reminder that someone cares. For seniors living on fixed incomes, being remembered with a Christmas present brought comfort, dignity, and a renewed sense of connection. Thanks to the kindness of our community, these small acts of generosity became a true blessing, spreading joy, warmth, and hope when it was needed most.
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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, and pureed meals are also available for individuals who have special needs.
REGISTER | PRODUCE ON WHEELS | PET PROGRAM | VOLUNTEER
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Daybreak Adult Day Center
Annual Holiday Party
The holiday spirit was on full display at Daybreak Adult Day Center as participants, and staff came together to celebrate the season. The festive holiday party featured cheerful decorations, music, and special treats, creating a joyful and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Laughter filled the room as friends shared smiles, stories, and holiday cheer. For many participants, the celebration offered meaningful social connection and a break from routine, while caregivers found comfort knowing their loved ones were enjoying a safe and engaging day. The holiday party was a heartwarming reminder of the community and care that make Daybreak such a special place during the season—and all year long.
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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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Friendship Dining Centers
Snow Globe Project
Friendship Dining Center participants got into the winter spirit by creating their own snow globe crafts during a recent activity. With a little creativity and plenty of smiles, participants designed festive scenes that sparkled with holiday cheer.
The hands-on craft encouraged creativity, social connection, and laughter as friends worked side by side. Activities like these help keep minds active while strengthening friendships, making the Friendship Dining Centers a place where seniors can enjoy meaningful moments and joyful experiences together.
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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
Steve & Sara Bayard
Giving Tuesday Match
On Giving Tuesday, the generosity of Steve and Sara Bayard made an extraordinary impact on our community by providing $100,000 in matching funds. They inspired supporters to give more - doubling the power of every donation and helping ensure critical food and nutrition programs reached even more neighbors in need.
Steve and Sara’s commitment reflects a deep belief in caring for local families, seniors, and children facing food insecurity. Their leadership gift not only amplified community generosity but also brought hope and nourishment to those who rely on The Food Bank of Manatee and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Bayside Community Church
Food4Families Distributions
Volunteers from Bayside Community Church played a vital role in making both the Thanksgiving Food4Families Distribution and the December Holiday Food4Families Distribution a success. With warm smiles and helping hands, they directed traffic and loaded cars with food, ensuring families could move through the distribution safely and efficiently.
Their dedication and cheerful service helped hundreds of families receive the food they needed to enjoy a traditional holiday meal at home. Bayside Community Church's commitment to serving others truly embodied the spirit of the season, bringing hope, kindness, and nourishment to families throughout our community.
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Rogers Community Methodist Church Award
The Food Bank of Manatee was honored to receive the Outstanding Community Service Award from Rogers Community United Methodist Church, recognizing our dedication and commitment to serving the citizens of Manatee County.
We are deeply grateful for this meaningful recognition. It reflects not only our mission, but also the generosity of our donors and the strength of our community partners who make this work possible every day. Together, we are able to nourish neighbors, support families, and build a stronger, more caring Manatee County.
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