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.
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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.
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 at the Fair!
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, PalmettoBUILD, along with Detwiler's Farm Market sponsored a "FREE DAY" at the Manatee County Fair, also known as Build Stronger Families Day to benefit The Food Bank of Manatee.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we collected an incredible 1,157 pounds of canned food for The Food Bank of Manatee in just one day! Strong partnerships + caring neighbors = stronger families. Thank you to everyone who made this impact possible!
Our amazing American flag can-sculpture earned two awards from the judges: Best Use of Labels and Judges Favorite. We are incredibly proud to of our contribution to the Manatee County Fair, celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
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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
Delivering More Thank Meals: Bringing Warmth to Our Seniors
A recent cold front in Florida is a reminder that even here, colder temperatures can put vulnerable seniors at risk. Many of the older adults we serve struggle to stay warm, especially those living on fixed incomes or with health challenges. Our volunteers deliver lap blankets along with meals to help provide warmth, comfort, and care—but the need is growing.
Please consider donating new lap blankets so every senior we serve can stay safe and comfortable during colder days. If you love to sew, crochet, or knit, please consider a donation of handmade blankets. Your support makes a simple but meaningful difference.
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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
Creativity Shines at Daybreak
At Daybreak Adult Day Center, every day brings opportunities for connection, creativity, and joy. One recent favorite activity was jewelry making, where participants expressed their creativity while designing beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. From selecting beads to sharing stories and laughter, the activity was about much more than crafting—it was about building friendships and enjoying meaningful moments together.
Jewelry making is just one example of the engaging, enriching activities offered at Daybreak. Our calendar is filled with programs designed to support socialization, wellness, and fun in a safe and welcoming environment.
We invite families, caregivers, and community members to check out the Daybreak calendar online to learn more about upcoming activities and events. There’s always something happening, and we’d love for you to see how Daybreak makes every day brighter.
👉 Visit our online calendar to stay up to date on the daily events and activities at Daybreak Adult Day Center.
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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
Expanded Program Days
Meals on Wheels PLUS is proud to share that two of our Friendship Dining Center programs have expanded days to better serve our community. Due to increasing need, we are now offering more opportunities for seniors to enjoy nutritious meals, meaningful connections, and supportive services in a welcoming environment.
Our Friendship Dining Center located at 811 23rd Ave. East is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Additionally, our program at Parrish United Methodist Church is now available Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Our Friendship Dining Centers operating at Palmetto Church of Hope on Mondays and Myakka Family Worship Center on Fridays are also accepting new clients.
These extended program days allow us to reach more neighbors who benefit from not only healthy meals, but also companionship and social engagement -- an essential part of aging well. We are grateful for the community support that makes this expansion possible and remain committed to responding where the need is greatest.
Clients got into the Valentine's spirit during "Morning Masterpiece" by crafting handmade heart artwork to decorate our dining spaces. Each piece was unique and full of personality. The finished hearts add warmth, color, and a lot of love to the celebration!
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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
Bishop Parker Foundation Invests $315,000 to Strengthen Food Security
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee proudly recognizes the Bishop Parker Foundation for its $315,000 investment in The Food Bank of Manatee Expansion Project. This transformational support will expand capacity at the county’s only food bank, helping meet the growing needs of babies, children, families, and seniors facing food insecurity.
The investment also strengthens the Food Bank’s ability to respond during disasters and future emergencies. In addition, donations to the Expansion Project will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 through the Deerbrook Fund, doubling the impact of community support for Manatee County residents.
Click here to show your support and have your donation matched.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Volunteers who Rose to the Occasion
When a last-minute need arose to prepare two full days’ worth of meal delivery for our clients who rely on their delivery of nutritious meals, three incredible volunteers didn’t hesitate—they stepped up.
Karen B., Mark S., and Eddie O. answered the call without question, giving their time and energy to ensure our clients would not miss their meals. Thanks to their willingness to jump in on short notice, meals were prepped, packed, and ready to go—providing nourishment, consistency, and peace of mind for those who depend on us every day.
Moments like this remind us what makes our volunteer community so special. It’s not just about showing up when it’s convenient—it’s about rising to the occasion when it matters most. Karen, Mark, and Eddie exemplified the heart of Meals on Wheels PLUS: compassion, reliability, and care for our neighbors.
We are deeply grateful for these three wonderful volunteers and their commitment to helping us fulfill our mission.
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Bradenton’s Chateau Village Food Drive
Bradenton’s Chateau Village is showing what community spirit looks like with its Food Drive benefiting The Food Bank of Manatee. By hosting a convenient barrel drop-off, residents—especially our seasonal “snowbirds”—have an easy way to donate nonperishable food items before heading back north for the summer. These thoughtful donations help ensure local families, seniors, and neighbors in need continue to have access to nutritious food long after the season ends.
Chateau Village’s generosity is making a real impact, and it’s a wonderful reminder that when communities come together, everyone benefits. We encourage other neighborhoods and communities across Manatee County to follow this great example and register to host your own food drive to support the Food Bank of Manatee.
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