Unprecedented Demand for Food in the Midst of COVID-19
BRADENTON, FL May 14, 2020 – Food is a basic necessity for health and life. Across Manatee County, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is seeing an increase in the demand for food assistance from their two main programs: Home-delivered Meals and The Food Bank of Manatee.
Safer-at-home orders designed to keep high-risk residents safe amid the pandemic have created an increase in the number of seniors who rely on home-delivered meals as their primary source of food. “We’ve seen an increase in clients and double the number of calls we normally receive in a week,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO. “In May, across the nation, we celebrate Older Americans Month in observance of the countless contributions older adults make in our communities. This year, that recognition feels even more poignant as older Americans continue to be impacted by COVID-19. We want our seniors to know we are here for them and that we stand ready to help.” Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is responding to the increased need for food in our community and has received additional funding for meals for those over the age of 60. If you or someone you know is over the age of 60 and a resident of Manatee County in need of food, please call 941-747-4655.
The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, has also seen an increase in the need for food. To respond to that need, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee continues to work with the School District of Manatee to provide Food4Families each Friday. “In the last eight weeks, we’ve been able to provide over 128,000 meals to families in need in Manatee County through the Food4Families program.” In addition, The Food Bank of Manatee provides food to numerous food pantries and partner agencies who are feeding an additional 25,000 families each week. If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, visit www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org to learn more about the services available through Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.
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About Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
While initially founded in 1972, with the purpose of providing hot, nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled residents of Manatee County, Meals on Wheels of Manatee, Inc. became so much more. The organization grew over the years in response to community needs, and the “PLUS” was eventually added to the name as a way of representing the many other services offered. The mission of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is to assist individuals to live independently by providing nutrition and caring, supportive services. Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee offers comprehensive care and essential programs that assist people to live independently. While services include delivering hot, nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled, other essential programs include: The Food Bank of Manatee, Daybreak Adult Day Center, The Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9th, and Friendship Dining.