BRADENTON, FL June 3, 2020 – Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is conducting a food distribution on Saturday, June 6th at Ellenton Premium Outlets for up to 1,000 families. During this event, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee will also be collecting food to help meet the continued needs in our community for those impacted by COVID-19.
This drive-through food distribution and food collection event will involve limited-contact with volunteers and staff to maintain social distancing. Any non-perishable food items will be accepted for the food collection. For safety, the collected items will remain in quarantine for seventy-two hours before being wiped down and distributed back out into the community via The Food Bank of Manatee’s partner agencies. Those in need of food will be able to receive a box of food to feed a family of five breakfast, lunch, and dinner for several days. Food for 1,000 families will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Hosting this event on June 6 is so poignant as it is designated as ‘National Hunger Awareness Day,’ a day to bring awareness of food insecurity and help to those who have fallen on hard times,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels Plus. “We are sincerely grateful to those who have come forward to help their neighbors in need during the challenging times the pandemic has presented. Today’s event is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors which include Bradenton Kiwanis, Manatee Community Foundation, Carl Reynolds Law, MySuncoast-ABC7, Metz Culinary Management, and the Ellenton Premium Outlets,” stated Phillips.
Photo/Video Opportunity:
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee/The Food Bank of Manatee
Mass food collection and distribution drive-throughs
Ellenton Premium Outlets, 5641 Factory Shops Blvd., Ellenton, FL 34222
Saturday, June 6th
9am- noon
Media enter off 60th Avenue and follow signs to volunteer check-in
Distribution to families will take place from 29th Street East entrance; follow signage
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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.