BRADENTON, FL September 14, 2020 – Beginning on Thursday, September 17th, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, through The Food Bank of Manatee, will provide fresh produce each month, from September through May, to families in need in Manatee County.
“This initiative is aimed at getting fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables into Manatee County homes,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “Our selected Community Partners are near six Title 1 schools, enabling us to serve as many families as possible with this tremendous resource,” Phillips said.
Locations near Blackburn Elementary, Daughtrey Elementary, Oneco Elementary, Rogers Garden Elementary, Samoset Elementary, and Tillman Elementary have been identified, though families living anywhere in Manatee County can participate. The produce will be provided free of charge on the third Thursday of the month from September through May at the following locations:
- Visible Men Academy: 921 63rd Ave. East, Bradenton 34203 from 8:00am – 10:00 am
- Sozo Missions: 3124 17th Street East, Bradenton 34208 from 8:00 am – 10:00 am
- Increasing Joy Ministries: 2515 37th Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee received a generous grant from United Way Suncoast, which makes this program possible.
In addition to the Mobile Produce Pantry, The Food Bank of Manatee has provided over 500,000 meals through the Food4Families program in response to COVID-19. In addition, The Food Bank of Manatee provides food to over 80 food pantries and partner agencies who are feeding an additional 25,000+ families each week. If you or someone you know needs 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.