Bradenton, FL – October 28, 2022 The 22nd Annual “Empty Bowls” luncheons to benefit The Food Bank of Manatee, A PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 at Manatee Performing Arts Center, and 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, November 4th, 2022, at Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. The symbolic meal of soup and bread demonstrates that, together, we can fill the empty bowls of our neighbors in need.
Advanced tickets are $30 each for general admission ($35 day of event) and include a unique ceramic bowl to keep, a selection of soups, fresh bread, and dessert. Advanced VIP tickets are $50 ($60 day of event) and allow for early admission and access to a special selection of bowls.
Empty Bowls is an annual fundraiser benefiting The Food Bank of Manatee and 100% of the proceeds go directly back to hunger and nutrition programs in Manatee County. The Food Bank of Manatee is a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and is the largest hunger-relief organization based in Manatee County, providing food to over 80 local social service agencies, food pantries, and soup kitchens, while also providing direct distributions to the community. The Food Bank of Manatee has provided over 58 million pounds of food to Manatee County residents since it first opened in 1985.
“The growing needs of food-insecure families in Manatee County are the result of several scenarios that we have seen play out – from the global pandemic, to the rising costs of living and supply shortages, and most recently the impacts of Hurricane Ian,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “That’s what makes community support of our Empty Bowls luncheons so very important,” she added.
Advanced ticket sales for General Admission tickets are $30, VIP are $50; Day-of event, ticket prices increase to $35 for General Admission and $60 for VIP. Tickets are available online at https://mealsonwheelsplus.org/emptybowls or at the entrance of the following locations:
- Thursday, November 3rd, 2022, at Manatee Performing Arts Center • 502 3rd West, Bradenton, Florida 34205; General Admission Guests may attend anytime between 11 am – 1 pm; VIP Guests will be admitted at 10:30 am for early bowl selection.
- Friday, November 4th, 2022, at Lakewood Ranch Main Street • 8131 Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202; General Admission Guests may attend anytime between 11 am – 1 pm; VIP Guests will be admitted at 10:30 am for early bowl selection.
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About Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
While initially founded in 1972, with the purpose of providing 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 nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled, other essential programs include: The Food Bank of Manatee, Daybreak Adult Day Center, and Friendship Dining. More information is available at www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org