811 23rd Avenue E., Bradenton, FL 34208 (941) 747-4655

June 2021 News Updates

Recognizing Hunger Awareness Month in June

National Hunger Awareness Day is recognized annually on June 6th. Given the high rates of food-insecurity in Manatee County related to the pandemic, we are shining the spotlight on Hunger Awareness the entire month of June. If you have been looking for a way to get involved, this is it!

Fighting Hunger Starts With The First Meal Of The Day! Manatee County schools are out for Summer. That means fewer children will get free and reduced breakfasts and lunches. Donating breakfast items will help local families fight hunger this Summer. Help Manatee County families start their day off hunger-free! #WeFeedManatee

The individual or organization that raises the most breakfast food based on weight during the month of June will be recognized by Meals on Wheels PLUS and win bragging rights! Individuals, businesses, civic groups, student groups, and faith communities are encouraged to show their support!

For more information or to register online, click here.


Website Redesigned!

We are excited to announce the redesign of our Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee website. The new design enlivens the experience as well as improves site navigation. This will hopefully lead to an easier donation experience, more people volunteering, and more people in need finding help. Please visit the site and share any comments you may have.


Bringing Joy to the shelves of The Food Bank of Manatee

On Thursday, May 27th, the Joy FM hosted a drive-thru food drive ‘Joy Drop & Restock’ that raised over 7,000 lbs of food for The Food Bank of Manatee. On-air personality, Michelle Tellone, from the Joy FM broadcast the event as Manatee County residents brought donations.

If you are looking to host a food drive, or donate food, click here.


Stuff The Bus 2021

The global pandemic has caused food-insecurity in our community to skyrocket. The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, has been the leading, local source of nutrition in Manatee County since 1985. As the only food bank based in Manatee County, we need your help to Stuff the Bus this year! 100% of the proceeds and food collected will stay in Manatee County.

Sunday, October 17, 2021
9:00am-3:00pm
All Manatee County Publix Locations

Goal: Raise 150,000 pounds of food in 2021 to feed Manatee County residents!

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, click here.


DONOR SPOTLIGHT

The University Park Community Outreach Committee recently held a food and fund collection to benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Community residents donated over 1,400 lbs of food and raised over $8,000 to help those in need. Their donation has been matched by The Steven and Natalie Herrig Family Foundation.

You can donate online, by texting FEEDMANATEE to 243725, or by calling 941-747-4655.


VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

What has changed in volunteering over the years? If you ask Marlena J., who has been volunteering for Meals on Wheels PLUS for the last twenty-nine years, she will say, “NOT MUCH!” But that’s a good thing. The people have always been friendly, she says, and the clients have always smiled and been very appreciative.

After visiting friends in the area nearly forty years ago, she and her late husband knew they wanted to retire here. Eventually they moved from the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts to the sunny city of Bradenton, Florida. Their good friends delivered meals for Meals on Wheels PLUS. Marlena and her husband followed in their footsteps almost immediately after moving to town.

What gives Marlena the most satisfaction from volunteering? “I love seeing the clients and seeing them smile,” she says. Inspired by Marlena’s service to our clients? You can become a volunteer today by registering here or by calling 941-747-4655.


COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Sam (age 17), and Noah (age 15), local students at Parrish High School, along with their brother Lou (age 14), donated 15 hours of their time over 2 weekends to lay 220 bags of mulch to beautify the grounds of our Daybreak Adult Day Center, a PLUS Program of Meals on Wheels PLUS. The boys chose to volunteer for Meals on Wheels PLUS because of their parents’ longstanding relationship and support of our organization. They found satisfaction in knowing that they transformed the grounds of our Adult Day Center, which will help welcome senior clients upon future reopening.

Are you looking to make a difference like Sam, Lou, and Noah? Become a volunteer by registering online, or calling 941-747-4655.


UPCOMING EVENTS

Bradenton Marauders
Saturday, June 26
6:05pm

Visit the Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee booth at the June 26th Bradenton Marauders’ baseball game and learn about our mission, programs, and opportunities to get involved.