Food drives are an important donation source for The Food Bank of Manatee, producing much needed canned food and dry goods. Food drives can also generate monetary collections though donations and increase public awareness. For every dollar we receive, we provide ten dollars worth of food assistance. Thank you in advance for your time and commitment, we need you to help us change the face of hunger in Manatee County.

Organizing Your Food Drive

We are here to assist you in your food drive so that it will run smoothly and be a success.

Just follow the easy steps we have outlined for you and feel free to call us for additional help.

Step 1

Establish a team to plan the details

The food drive coordinator will be responsible for communicating with The Food Bank of Manatee and will organize and promote your organizations food drive.

Step 2

Choose the food drive dates and theme

Select a theme that is relevant to your organization and will touch the interest of your      community members. Holiday meal items, low-salt items, items for children etc. are good themes. Select a start date that allows plenty of time for proper planning and enough lead time for groups that only meet once a month. Two months is a good time frame.

Step 3

Pick a collection area

The collection area should be highly visible and convenient to encourage donations and  create publicity for your food drive. Decorate the food drive container and surrounding    area with flyers or posters to attract attention. Cardboard boxes work well and are easy       to decorate and transport.

Step 4

Spread the word

Promote your food drive by spreading the word. Ways to do this are though your local   newspapers or radio stations, emails, flyers and notices to your organization’s employees, flyers in paychecks, flyers in your local grocery store, restaurant, posters on every floor, classroom, department, etc. Publicize the food drive in your newsletter.

Step 5

Coordinate food delivery or pick up

It is a sometimes a challenge to meet the demands for pick-up, so we ask you to deliver the food when ever possible. We will need a one week notice for pick-up.

 Other ideas to enhance your food drive

Hold in-house competitions for the most food collected.
Host an event, party or meeting where  food is the admission.
Arrange for a food bank representative to come to your organization to make a presentation.
Organize a time when participants can come and volunteer at The Food Bank of Manatee.
Plan a theme day for the donation (i.e. baby goods, can day, dessert day, etc.).

 Please let us know about your food drive:

For more information on any of these services, please call Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee

811 23rd Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34208
PHONE: (941) 747-4655
FAX: (941) 747-9871
Email: info@mealsonwheelsplus.org