For far too many children, summer is filled with uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. 

It’s heartbreaking to think about how many kids rely on food pantries during the summer months when school
meals aren’t available. Summer should be a time for kids to play, relax, and create memories but for far too many, it’s
a time filled with anxiety. Families face even more challenges in providing meals for their children, and it’s so tough
for those little ones who are left hungry or uncertain about where their next meal will come from. 

The Food Bank of Manatee is here to help, serving over 100 Manatee County Food Pantries – but the need is so great, and we cannot do it alone. While The Food Bank of Manatee, the only Food Bank based in our community, has not yet been directly impacted by the federal funding cuts made to Nutrition Assistance programs across the country, we anticipate a spike in need from those who have been impacted seeking assistance. 

Each week during the nine-week summer break, with your support, we will provide 22,500 meals for children and
families in our community, specifically focusing on low-income, high-need areas of Manatee County. At a cost of
$1.50 per meal, we are asking for your support and the support of the entire community to help feed those in need. 

Many parents feel the weight of food-insecurity. It’s not just about food – it’s about the peace of mind that comes
with knowing their children won’t go to bed hungry. The emotional toll on families is real, and no child should have
to face that.
Please donate what you can to make a difference in the lives of these kids and their families. Every little bit of
support helps to bring hope when it’s needed most. 

A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000. Please give today! 

Click here to make your secure gift online. 

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