Initially created in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic in March of 2020, the Food4Families program was created to provide critical nutrition to Manatee County residents in need. The effects of inflation and rising gas, food and rent prices are making it harder to afford living on the Suncoast for many residents. “The need for food is so much higher during the summer months when kids are out of school, especially now with the rising costs related to inflation,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “Donations trend downward during the summer while demand soars. We appreciate all the support we receive from the community to make sure kids will have food this summer,” she added.

Events are free of charge and provide families with bags of food that include breakfast, lunch, and dinner to last a family of five two or more days. The June and July locations, dates, and times of the Food4Families distributions include:

Thursdays 10:30am-11:30am
Southeast High School
1200 37th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208

Fridays 11:00am-12:00pm
Manatee Mobile Home Park
2204 Manatee Ave E., Bradenton, FL 34208

Fridays 12:00pm-1:00pm
Turner Chapel
317 11th St Dr W, Palmetto, FL 34221

Fridays 1:00pm-2:00pm
Pride Park
815 63rd Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34203

Fridays 1:30pm-2:30pm
Lincoln Park
501 17th Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221

In Need of Food? If you or someone you know is in need of food, please visit us at the locations/times listed above. Additional food distribution locations are listed here.

Want to Volunteer? We still have available shifts to distribute food and continue to need volunteers to pack the food bags weekly. Please click here if you are interested in volunteering!

Want to Donate to Support Summer Hunger? An anonymous donor has issued a $100,000 Challenge Gift for all donations in support of our Summer Hunger/Food4Families efforts received before July 31, 2023. Please make your gift today! Make your secure gift online by clicking here. Thank you! Together, #WeFeedManatee!

PARRISH HOME GOODS SUPPORTS MEALS ON WHEELS PLUS OF MANATEE AT THEIR GRAND OPENING

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Home Goods recently opened a new location in Parrish, FL. As part of their Grand Opening, the General Manager, Amy, selected Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee for a $10,000 donation. This generous donation will help feed food-insecure families in Manatee County. If you are looking for ways to support the Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee mission to #FeedManatee, please click here.

STUDENTS AT LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH SCHOOL HELP FILL EMPTY BOWLS

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: The Lakewood Ranch High School ceramics classes recently held a successful fundraiser to help support the mission of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. The students created and sold ceramic bowls to help many within the local community who struggle to feed their families. Proceeds from the event were donated to The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. In addition, students donated bowls to Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee to be used at our Empty Bowls event in November. The students’ teacher, Laura V., said, “I am very proud of my students for understanding the meaning and importance of their efforts, but even more excited to announce two more fundraisers next year during the winter and spring.” Thank you Lakewood Ranch High School for your support of our critical mission.

STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE

On Saturday, May 13th, letter carriers performed double duty—delivering mail and picking up food donations. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive food donations in Manatee County were brought back to the Bradenton Beach, Palmetto, Ellenton, Myakka, and Parrish post offices and donated to The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Over 18,500 pounds of food was collected to help feed local children, families, and seniors in Manatee County.

Volunteers helped at each of the post office locations to collect and pack the food donations for The Food Bank of Manatee. A special thanks to Boar’s Head, who supplied lunches to the postal workers and volunteers for this special event.

FIESTA. SIESTA. REPEAT. DAYBREAK ADULT DAY CENTER CELEBRATES CINCO DE MAYO

¡Vamos a tener una fiesta! Our Daybreak Adult Day Center clients celebrated Cinco De Mayo on May 5th with exciting theme-filled activities and food. To begin the day, the clients enjoyed cinnamon stick “churros” and then watched the movie The Three Amigos. After, they decorated maracas and danced to festive music while enjoying chips and salsa along with their choice of non-alcoholic beer or margaritas. And finally, the clients played Cinco De Mayo BINGO to conclude the celebration.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the over 60 clients currently enrolled at Daybreak Adult Day Center, click here for more information.

VOLUNTEER MEAL-DELIVERY DRIVERS NEEDED FOR HOME-DELIVERED MEALS CLIENTS

As more and more clients are added to our Home-delivered Meals program, the need for volunteer drivers increases. We currently have an urgent need for Home-delivered Meals volunteer drivers. Volunteers typically deliver the same route once a week or serve as a substitute driver on various routes as needed. Routes vary in size with an average time commitment of 2 hours. A week’s worth of meals are delivered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 10am-2pm to homebound seniors in Manatee County. You can help us make it happen!

Meal delivery drivers must be 18 years of age and older. Jumpers (or passengers) younger than 18 years old are welcome to join a trusted adult for meal delivery. Volunteers must complete training, a Zoom orientation class, and pass a background check before they are able to sign up for meal delivery. If you are interested in volunteering as a Home-delivered Meals driver, please click here.

FRIENDSHIP DINING TRAVELS TO THE AFRICAN COUNTRY OF MOROCCO

Friendship Dining enjoyed “getting on a plane” and traveling to Morocco. After getting their passports stamped with a Moroccan stamp, the clients enjoyed Moroccan tea and pastries, colored artwork that was reflective of the area, played a word search game with a Moroccan theme, and watched a belly dancing video. This is just one of the many activities organized for local seniors at the Friendship Dining Center. If you or someone you know is a senior and could benefit from these social activities, please click here.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Our thanks to the Movement Mortgage Southwest Florida Gulf Coast volunteers who came to lend a hand at The Food Bank of Manatee. With a focus on investing time and resources in the local community, Movement Mortgage volunteers helped pack bags of non-perishable food items for the Sack Summer Hunger/Food4Families food distributions that will take place over the 9-week school break from June through August. “We are all about people and serving our community. I’m inspired by this work. I didn’t realize how many people in our community need help,” said Sheri McFarland, Marketing, Outreach, and Special Events Director for Movement Mortgage Southwest Florida Gulf Coast. “Especially with the economy right now, this food will be such a blessing to so many families,” she added.

The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, plans to distribute 180,000 meals through the Sack Summer Hunger/Food4Families program this summer. As an independent Food Bank, this program is made possible through private donations from our caring community. Just $30 can provide 30 meals. Join us in feeding those in need this summer! If you or someone you know is in need of food, click here to learn more. If you can donate to help others, click here to donate.

The post June 2023 News Updates appeared first on Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup green pepper, diced OR 1 bag frozen onion-pepper blend
• 1 ½ cups turkey sausage, diced or ground
• 3 ea potatoes, diced
• ½ tsp salt or celery salt
• 1 ½ cups water
• To taste, pepper

Optional Toppings:

• Salsa
• Green onion
• Fried egg

Method of Preparation

1. In a skillet, warm your oil, cook onion and pepper for 3-5 minutes.
2. Add sausage and cook another 3-5 minutes.
3. Add potatoes, celery salt, salt, and pepper and cook another 3-5 minutes.
4. Add water and cover. Steam for 10-15 minutes, until potatoes soften.
5. Top with fresh salsa or green onion and serve in a bowl, or next to your favorite breakfast item(s).

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• 2 cups mixed berries (or any fruit)
• 2/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter

Method of Preparation

1. Set oven for 375° F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine fruit,maple syrup, and lemon juice.
3. In a different mixing bowl,combine oats, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil until oats are evenly coated.
4. Transfer fruit mixture into greased baking dish and layer oat mixture evenly on top.
5. Bake 30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

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• 4 cups spinach (or leafy green of choice)
• Juice of 1 lime (or lemon)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 can garbanzo beans (or bean of choice), drained and rinsed
• 4 tbsp cumin, ground
• 4 dried dates (or dry fruit of choice)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (or cheese of choice)
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds (or nut/seed of choice)

Method of Preparation

• In a large bowl, toss spinach with lime juice and olive oil.
• Transfer to serving bowls.
• In each bowl, add beans and sprinkle cumin evenly to coat beans.
• Cut dried fruit into raisin-sized pieces and sprinkle over beans.
• Top with crumbled cheese.

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The Best teams up with The Best to Drive Away Hunger. Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, voted Readers’ Choice for Best Nonprofit, is proudly inviting you to join us for the inaugural “Drive Away Hunger” Golf Classic benefiting Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee hosted at Legacy Golf Club, voted Readers’ Choice for Best Public Golf Course. Tee it up and show support for the critical work of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee! Your support will help children, families, and seniors in need, right here in our community. Please help us #FEEDMANATEE!

The “Drive Away Hunger” Golf Classic will be held the morning of Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Legacy Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch.

This scramble tournament will include green fees, cart, driving range, as well as food and beverages. In addition, there are chances to win prizes including winning team, hole-in-one, and other great contests. Join us and “grip it and rip it” for a great cause.

High-visibility sponsorship opportunities available. Click here for more information.

MAY 13th STAMP OUT HUNGER

On Saturday, May13th, letter carriers will be performing double duty—delivering mail and picking up food donations. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive food donations will be brought to the local post office to be distributed to local food banks. The food donations brought back to the Bradenton Beach, Palmetto, Ellenton, Myakka, and Parrish post offices will be donated to The Food Bank of Manatee. Click here for a list of needed food items.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF LAKEWOOD RANCH HELPS FEED LOCAL FAMILIES

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch recently presented $130,000 in grants to 21 local nonprofits and Rotary projects with money raised last year during their club’s annual Suncoast Food & Wine Fest. Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee was one of the fortunate nonprofits that benefited from the Food & Wine Fest. These funds will help fund the Food4Families program, a summer program that provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days for a family of five to 500 families each week during the 9-week summer break.

SNOWBIRDS LOOKING TO EMPTY PANTRIES CAN HELP FEED MANATEE

Heading North and have pantries of non-perishable food you are looking to discard? Please consider donating your unopened items to The Food Bank of Manatee. Click here for food drop-off locations.

The Food Bank of Manatee is an independent Food Bank and the only Food Bank based in Manatee County. That means we rely 100% on the support of our community to make sure the shelves are always stocked! With the rising costs we are all experiencing for housing, gas, and food, many families are turning to our network of food pantries for assistance. We need businesses, organizations, neighborhoods, faith groups and families to help feed food-insecure families. You can greatly impact our community by coordinating a Food Drive! Click here to register your Food Drive!

Have food to donate? You can drop off at any Manatee County Goodwill or Public Library location. Just look for the yellow barrel. You can also donate at The Food Bank of Manatee located at 811 23rd Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208. Help us #FeedManatee.

DAYBREAK ADULT DAY CENTER CLIENTS GET A LITTLE PUPPY LOVE

Our Daybreak Adult Day Center clients were treated to some puppy therapy this month. Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue was kind enough to bring a pair of 9-week old Carolina Cur puppies. The clients absolutely adored the affection given by the pups and can’t wait for another visit. A Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue employee said, “We are so happy to bring the puppies! It’s a win-win for the pups and the clients!”

Our clients and their caregivers love this program! If you or someone you know is interested in joining the over 60 clients currently enrolled at Daybreak Adult Day Center, click here for more information.

MICROWAVES NEEDED FOR HOME-DELIVERED MEALS CLIENTS

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee switched from delivering one daily hot meal to delivering a one-week supply of frozen meals. This has been beneficial to the clients as they can now choose which meal they want to have for a particular day. These frozen meals require a microwave or oven—the easier of the two for the client is the microwave. We are in need of new or like-new microwaves to provide to clients who do not have working appliances to warm their meals. If you are interested in donating a microwave, you can deliver it to our main campus at 811 23rd Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208 or you can purchase the microwave from our Amazon Wish List by clicking here.

CLIENTS AT FRIENDSHIP DINING ENJOY TRAVELING THE WORLD

The clients of Friendship Dining have been thrilled at being armchair jetsetters and traveling to exotic locations such as France, Mexico, and Greece. As part of these “vacations” the clients are treated to cuisines from the countries as well as activities, decor, and videos that make the client feel like they are really there. It gives the clients a chance to enjoy a destination and culture they may not otherwise have a chance to experience. This is just one of the many fun and engaging activities clients of the Friendship Dining Centers enjoy. If you or someone you know is a senior and could benefit from these social activities, please click here.

The post May 2023 News Updates appeared first on Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla (optional)
• Cooking oil to grease pan (preferably coconut or olive oil)
• Optional toppings:

1. • butter, maple syrup
   • peanut butter
   • nuts/seeds, berries, or
   • anything else you would like!

Method of Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth
2. Let mixture sit to thicken while heating pan greased with cooking oil on medium temperature
3. Once pan is hot, pour mixture onto pan in groups of 1/4 cup. (Tip: you will know that the pan is ready to cook on when you flick a drop of water on it and the pan sizzles)
4. Cook pancakes until the edges are dry and they puff up a bit—then flip
5. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

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2-1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth or water
2 cups frozen chopped carrot, onion, celery blend OR:

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 ea. medium carrots, diced
• 2 ea. stalks celery, diced

2-1/2 cups potato flakes
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Optional Toppings: cheddar cheese, bacon, fresh herbs, diced bell pepper, red pepper flakes

Method of Preparation

1. In a large pot, add broth and vegetables and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes (10 minutes if using fresh vegetables). Remove from heat.
2. Add potato flakes, heavy cream (or milk), salt, pepper, and garlic and stir to mix. Add more milk or water for thinner soup. Add more potato flakes for a thicker soup.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings.
4. Top with your favorite additions and enjoy!

Serving size: 6

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6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2/3 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1 large carrot, diced
1-1/2 cup asparagus, woody ends removed, chopped in bite sized pieces
1 cup green peas (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/3 cup green onions, sliced
1/3 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp sea salt ground black pepper, to taste
3-4 dashes hot sauce, optional, or to taste
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

Method of Preparation

Add broth to a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Add macaroni and carrots. Boil for about 7 minutes. Add the asparagus and peas and boil until pasta and vegetables are tender, about 3-5 more minutes. Turn heat to low. Add green onions, parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and chicken. Stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving size: 8

The post Asparagus Soup appeared first on Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

METHOD OF PREPARATION
In a medium serving bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
Taste and adjust seasonings.

Serving Size: 2

The post White Bean Salad appeared first on Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

METHOD OF PREPARATION

1. In a medium saucepan, warmthe oil over medium heat. Addonion and salt. Sauté for 3-5minutes, stirring often.
2. Over medium-high heat, addthe garlic, oregano, chilipowder, tomatoes, broth, andbring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the pumpkinpurée and stir to combine.Continue simmering for 5minutes, then remove it fromthe heat.
4. Add butter to the saucepan,stirring to melt (optional).
5. Season to taste with pepper and salt. Stir into warm pasta. Serve with Parmesan cheese (optional).

Serving Size: 4

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METHOD OF PREPARATION

1. In a medium cooking pot over medium heat add the oil. Reduce heat to a low and add the onion and a dash of salt.Sauté for 2-5 minutes,or until translucent.
2. Next, add the garlic andsauté for an additional 3 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low, cover with a lid,and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.

*Can save fresh in your refrigerator for 5 days or in your freezer for up to 3months.

The post Turkey And Rice Soup appeared first on Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

METHOD OF PREPARATION
Rinse soaked beans under running water.
Add beans and water to a large pot and bring to a boil.
Cover pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for 1 hour or until it reaches your desired tenderness. Occasionally check beans and add more water if needed.
Drain beans and use in salads, side dishes, or how ever you desire.

Serving Size: 4

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For the sesame peanut sauce
½ cup peanut butter (or nut/ seed butter of your choice)
3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
¼ cup sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD OF PREPARATION

1. Start with the sesame peanut sauce.In a small bowl mix the ingredients together. Set aside.
2. In a medium cooking pot add water and cook the noodles according to package directions.
3. While the noodles are cooking, in a frying pan over medium heat add the oil. Warm oil over low heat. Add the onion and a dash of salt. Sauté for2-5 minutes, or until translucent.
4. Next, add the garlic and sauté foran additional 3 minutes, or until fragrant.
5. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour in the peanut sauce and mix until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Cook on low for10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
6. Strain the noodles when ready and add them to the frying pan. Mix everything well.
7. Enjoy at once as is or with cilantro,peanuts, green onions, sesame seeds, or jalapenos.

Serving Size: 4

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We proudly invite you to join us for the inaugural “Drive Away Hunger” Golf Classic benefiting Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Tee it up and show support for the critical work of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee! Your support will help children, families, and seniors in need, right here in our community. Please help us #FEEDMANATEE!

The “Drive Away Hunger” Golf Classic will be held the morning of Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Legacy Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch.

This scramble tournament will include green fees, cart, driving range, as well as food and beverages. In addition, there are chances to win prizes including winning team, hole-in-one, and other great contests. Join us and grip it and rip it for a great cause.

Sponsorship opportunities available. Click here for more information.

TROPICAL NIGHTS WALKS THE RED CARPET

The 29th Annual Tropical Nights Goes Hollywood event, benefiting Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, was a tremendous success. The event, held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, raised over $250,000 to support the programs and mission of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

The evening hosted by Jason Alpert, Auctioneer Extraordinaire, featured a silent and live auction, paddle raise, amazing entertainment including music from Tropical Ave, and excellent food and drinks! The event also featured special appearances from Bob Harrigan of ABC-7, Lady Gaga impersonator Silvia Day, as well as James Bond 007, impersonator Tim Steger.

We appreciate all the sponsors, donors, and staff that made this year’s event so memorable. Save the date for the event next year and make plans now to join us for Tropical Nights: A Pirate’s Life on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT:

Without the generous contributions from members of our Board of Directors, Tropical Nights Goes Hollywood would not have been the success that it was. Not only did members of the board make generous donations totaling $50,000 for the Bid From The Heart donation match, but they also donated great auction packages valued at nearly $14,000 that were part of our live and silent auctions. Our board members are volunteers who donate their time and expertise to advance our mission throughout Manatee County. Click here for more information about our board members.

MEALS ON WHEELS PLUS OF MANATEE VOTED BEST NONPROFIT/CHARITY ORGANIZATION

We honored to voted the winner of the 2023 Readers’ Choice Best Nonprofit/Charity Organization. An award like this validates the critical work Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is doing in the local community. We would not be recognized for this award without our dedicated staff and volunteers, our board members, our sponsors, and our donors. We look forward to continuing our mission to #FeedManatee.

COMMUNITY LEADERS HELP RAISE AWARENESS FOR MEALS ON WHEELS PLUS OF MANATEE AND THE NEEDS OF MANATEE COUNTY SENIORS

During the month of March we celebrated Meals on Wheels PLUS and the seniors we serve with March for Meals. March for Meals provided a chance for public officials in our community to help raise public awareness for the nutritional and social needs of seniors through media attention. Local elected officials and community leaders participated in our Home-delivered Meals program by delivering meals to our clients and bringing awareness to our mission. We want to thank all who participated!

“We are grateful for the many supporters of our mission who make our work possible every day,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “Our PLUS programs are critical, life-saving efforts benefiting thousands in need in Manatee County and having the leaders of our community continually validate the importance of this work means so much,” she added.

Every day, we are meeting the immediate needs of our clients by providing nutrition and compassion. Husband and wife, Kennard and Beaner, are clients that found the service of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee outstanding at a critical time in their lives. “Meals on Wheels PLUS was the most professional, the friendliest, the most compassionate, and and the most understanding of any organization,” Kennard said.

If you would like to support our Home-delivered Meals clients you can volunteer or donate.

THE FOOD BANK OF MANATEE CONTINUES TO SUPPORT IMPACTED MYAKKA RESIDENTS

The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, has been providing vital nutrition and caring, supportive services in Myakka City, Florida since two hurricanes impacted the area last fall. Through collaborations with United Way Suncoast and Myakka Family Worship Center, The Food Bank of Manatee has been able to distribute snack bags, fresh produce, and critical household and food items to families in need. With many wells damaged and homes flooded, getting households back up and running after the storm took many, many weeks and some families are still not back to 100%.

The Food Bank of Manatee provided immediate relief to Myakka with over 140,000 pounds of food as well as critical cleaning supplies and essential water distributions beginning two days after the first hurricane hit. The Food Bank of Manatee completed eight on-site distributions immediately following Hurricane Ian. The support has continued with almost 2,000 nutritious snacks bags distributed through Myakka Elementary School and distribution of fresh produce totaling nearly 4,000 pounds to 600 families. These efforts will continue through June 2023 and beginning this month we will add our Food 4 Families distribution to 150 families monthly and continue this program through June 2023 as well. For information on our critically-needed food items list that help feed those in need in our community, please click here.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:

Volunteering is not limited to adults. Recently, the Manatee PAL Thunder, a traveling basketball team of 7th graders, packed over 350 food/snack bags for food-insecure kids at Myakka Elementary School. These 12-13 year olds, who play in the Police Athletic League, had just finished their first tournament and their coach wanted the kids to see a different side of life. “These kids are able to play in tournaments from Orlando to Port Charlotte, and I wanted them to see that there are less privileged people in the community who need our help,” Coach CG said. If you are inspired by the story of these young athletes and would like to volunteer, please click here.

CLIENTS AT FRIENDSHIP DINING ENJOYED A TWIST OF CREATIVITY

The clients of Friendship Dining enjoyed discovering their inner artist with a new twist on fun. Painting with a Twist in Bradenton visited our Friendship Dining Center and gave them the Painting with a Twist experience they are known for. It’s fun, simple, and no creative or artistic skills are needed. The clients connected with each other, enjoyed their favorite snacks, and had a day of laughs. Oh, and they also learned how to paint! Each client made their own painting of a beautiful “Moonlight” as taught by the instructor. As an added bonus, they were able to take the keepsake home to remind them of the day.

DAYBREAK ADULT DAY CENTER ATTENDANCE EXCEEDS PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS

It’s a bright day at Daybreak Adult Day Center, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, where record-breaking attendance has the staff excited and energized! In March of 2020, the Center closed due to the impacts of the global pandemic with concerns over keeping older, vulnerable clients safe. Reopening in December of 2021, the staff have been working hard to rebuild attendance at the program. Beginning in April, Daybreak marks the enrollment of the 60th client in this important day-program that allows seniors to be looked after and cared for while their caretakers work or tend to other responsibilities.

“We believe in the value of this program and to see the number of people utilizing our amazing Center and programming is really tremendous,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “This program is truly life-changing for caregivers and clients,” she added.

Daybreak Adult Day Center is the only licensed adult day center in Manatee County. If you or someone you know is interested in attending Daybreak Adult Day Center, click here.

Walmart recently launched Walmart Spark Good Round Up where customers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate the change to their Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. We would love for you to choose us as your charity of choice for the round-ups in order to receive donations every time you shop on Walmart.com. Click here to learn more.

Thank you for considering Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee for Walmart Spark Good Round Up! Supporting us every time you shop at Walmart will help #FeedManatee. Donating spare change by automatically rounding up your orders to the nearest dollar at checkout may not seem like a large contribution, but those pennies add up in making a difference for local, food-insecure families.

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