Bradenton, FL – April 21, 2021 Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee has provided over 1 million meals through the Food4Families program as part of their COVID-19 Emergency Relief Efforts. The Food4Families program was started in March of 2020 in response to the global pandemic and in support of the School District of Manatee’s efforts to feed Manatee County families facing hardships related to the pandemic.
The Food4Families drive-thru food distributions involve limited-contact with volunteers and staff to maintain social distancing. Attendees receive food to feed a family of five breakfast, lunch, and dinner for two or more days.
“Like so many organizations, we modified our operations over a year ago to meet the rising needs in the community. We have been providing direct-distributions to the community for fifty-six weeks and counting, which is a scale and scope unlike anything our organization has ever experienced,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO. “This milestone is an amazing testament of the determination of our community to help others during this difficult time, as much as it is a demonstration of the very high need for basic nutrition for so many in Manatee County,” she added.
The food is provided free of charge to families in need and is purchased, sorted, and distributed by The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Families receive non-perishable food items as well as frozen meats, fresh produce, and snack foods when available. It costs The Food Bank approximately $25 per family to purchase the food.
Those needing food can find a schedule of distributions at mealsonwheelsplus.org/f4f/. If you are interested in supporting this program with your financial contributions, donations can be made online at www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org/donate or by mail to 811 23rd Ave. East, Bradenton, FL 34208. All donations made by May 31st will be matched $1:$1 by the Steven and Natalee Herrig Family Foundation.
