Hunger has no place in the list of things kids should be experiencing this summer.

We know that schools are a primary source of nutrition for thousands of kids in Manatee County during the school year. In fact, there are twenty-five schools in Manatee County* designated as Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools. As a CEP school, 100% of the students enrolled qualify to receive free breakfast and lunch from the school district because the schools are in low-income neighborhoods where food-insecurity is prevalent. But what happens when school is out for summer break?

On Fridays during the summer months, The Food Bank of Manatee, one of our PLUS programs, provides Food4Families bags at those Break Spots to families in need of vital nutrition. These bags contain breakfast, lunch, and dinner to feed a family of five for two or more days. That is 30 meals—keeping families fed through the weekend. In the Summer of 2024, our goal is to provide at least 22,000 meals each week for children and their families, right here in Manatee County. During the nine-week summer break, that is nearly 200,000 meals!

Will you help us cross hunger off the list this summer? All donations stay local to help right here in our community. We need your support today!

Will you help us cross hunger off the list this summer? A gift of $50 will provide over 30 meals to hungry children and their families. All donations stay local to help right here in our community. We need your support today!

* https://www.manateeschools.net/Page/11582