Our Impact in 2023

Dear Friends,

We are grateful for all your support and are excited to share with you the life-saving impact of your investments in Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

In 2023, we saw and continue to see rising needs for food due to the high cost of living. As the Sarasota-Manatee areas continue to have some of the highest housing prices in the nation, we have heard firsthand from families just how tough it is to make ends meet. We are so appreciative of those who have given their time, their talent, and their treasure to help us #FeedManatee.

Literally thousands of people in our community have benefited from our PLUS programs: Home-delivered Meals, The Food Bank of Manatee, Daybreak Adult Day Center, and Friendship Dining Center locations. The impact demonstrated in this 2023 report would not be possible without your dedication to our mission.

Thank you for helping to positively shape the lives of babies, children, families, and seniors in Manatee County through your support.

With deep gratitude,
Yours truly,

Maribeth Phillips
President & CEO

Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee

Home-Delivered Meals

Over 278,000 meals 

were served to homebound and disabled residents in 2023.

Nearly 63,300 pounds of fresh produce 

were distributed through our Produce on Wheels Program and Mobile Produce Pantry in 2023.

Over 17,000 phone calls 

were made in 2021 to check on the wellbeing of our clients through our Telephone Reassurance Program.

An average of 120 clients 

each month also received pet food for their furry companions in 2023.

Average of 91 routes 

utilized by volunteers to deliver meals to homebound and disabled residents across Manatee County.

The Food Bank of Manatee

Your local food bank relies 100% on the support of the community to meet the rising needs in Manatee County.

Nearly 3,422,000 pounds of food distributed.

Over 145,000 meals

provided to Manatee County families in need through Food4Families and Holiday Meal distributions.

Over 140,000 pounds of food

provided for hurricane relief in 2022.

Over 2,300 emergency baby baskets 

containing diapers, formula, and wipes were provided to Manatee County residents.

Over 95 partner agencies 

each month in 2023, all who rely on the food they receive from The Food Bank of Manatee to help their clients and run their programs.

Developed partnerships across Manatee County

including outreach in Rubonia, Myakka City, and Oneco, to help feed food-insecure families.

Senior Congregate Programs

Daybreak Adult Day Center provides a safe, secure environment with social, recreational, 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.

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.

Over 80 Seniors 

were provided nutrition and therapeutic activities in both our full-day and half-day social and congregate meal programs.