The Food Bank of
Manatee is the largest hunger prevention
organization in Manatee County. Currently it
distributes food to over 100 local social service
organizations, including independent food pantries,
soup kitchens, and other non-profit agencies.
In most cases,
assistance is provided the same day a call is received.
A community referral network allows The Food Bank
of Manatee to serve
those in need of emergency help and prevents
duplication of assistance.
As President
Obama addressed the state of the economy recently,
he acknowledged that many Americans are struggling
with hunger
and turning to food banks for help!
But as those people reach out, he
noted that
food banks across
the country are often unable to keep up with demand.
We can all help our
neighbors during these tough times, Lets start by
changing the fact the one in eight Americans are
struggling with hunger.
The Food Bank of Manatee also prepares
emergency food
baskets for families caught in crisis situations
due to unforeseen circumstances until a more permanent
arrangement can be made. Partner agencies coordinate
the baskets for their clients. Each package contains a
balanced diet of items sufficient to meet the needs
of a family for up to seven days. Baby packages are
also available which include infant formula, baby
food, diapers and other necessities.
Food is received through donations from food drives
by churches, community organizations, businesses
and individuals. Although the majority of food is
donated during the Thanksgiving/Christmas season, the Food
Bank's
shelves need to be stocked year round.
Many area businesses and organizations have responded
to this need and sponsor food drives at various times
throughout the year, often with special incentives
to customers when they present canned goods. The
Food Bank of Manatee will be happy to assist your business
or organization with a food drive program. Visit our
online virtual food drive and get
started today.
For more information on any of these
services, please call The Food Bank of Manatee.
USDA
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal law and U.S.
Department of Agriculture policy, this
institution is prohibited from discriminating on
the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of
discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272
or 202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
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VOLUNTEERS
are
needed to help sort food at the "NEW" Food Rescue Center.
The Food Bank of Manatee, once again would
like to thank the Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Lakewood Ranch,
Palmetto and Parrish post office staff, all the mail carriers
and volunteers who helped collect over 16 tons of food
from the 17th Annual Letter Carriers "Stamp Out Hunger"
Food Drive held on May 9th.
© Meals on
Wheels Plus 2004. All rights reserved.