Empty Bowls - Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee

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Join Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee for the 25th Annual Empty Bowls event benefiting The Food Bank of Manatee.

For 40 years, The Food Bank of Manatee has been feeding our neighbors in need and relies 100% on the support of the community. Your sponsorship and/or ticket purchase directly supports our vital hunger relief efforts. Symbolizing the importance of coming together to fill the bowls of our friends and neighbors in need, this community event is proof that together, we can fill every bowl and every heart.

THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO HELP:

Be a Sponsor– Align your business with a powerful local cause! Click here for sponsorship information.

Donate Soup– Local restaurants are invited to donate soup for this fun event! To learn more, click here to visit our Soup Information page.

Buy Tickets– Enjoy a meaningful meal and take home a handcrafted bowl- a reminder of the many empty bowls in our community. Guests who attend will enjoy a delicious lunch of soup and bread provided by local restaurants and select a beautiful hand painted bowl to keep. Each ticket sold supports our efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity in Manatee County. Click here to purchase tickets.

Empty Bowls will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch from 11am until 1pm.

General Admission tickets ($35), VIP Tickets ($50). VIP Admission includes early bowl selection at 10:30am.

General admission tickets will be $40 on the day of the event. VIP tickets are limited and will be $60 on the day of the event. Click here to get your advanced tickets.

Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee thanks Neal Communities for their generous support as the Exclusive Golden Ladle Sponsor of our 2025 event.

For information about being an event sponsor, call 941-747-4655.

For restaurants that want to donate soup, please register here.

Friday, November 14, 2025
11am-1pm
(come anytime)
Lakewood Ranch Main Street
8100 Main St
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Outdoor Seating & To-Go Options

Funds donated in excess of need will be used to provide nutrition and caring, supportive services throughout the year. Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is a 501 (c)3 organization. The Florida Registration Number for Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is #CH1420. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 800-435-7352 OR AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.