Food distribution to as many as 1,000 families planned Saturday in Ellenton
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee will be distributing food to as many as 1,000 families in need 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Ellenton Premium Outlets, 5641 Factory Shops Blvd.
During the event, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee will also be collecting food to help meet the continuing needs of those affected by COVID-19.
As a result of the pandemic, Manatee had 23,146 unemployment assistance claims, 14.3 percent of the workforce, on Thursday, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity web page.
Saturday’s 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 72 hours before being wiped down and distributed to 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 and 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,” Phillips said.
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee was founded in 1972, with the purpose of providing hot, nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled residents of Manatee County. Over the years in response to community needs, 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.
Services include delivering hot, nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled, operating The Food Bank of Manatee, Daybreak Adult Day Center, and Friendship Dining.
To donate to Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee visit https://securepayment.link/mealsonwheelsplus/.
For more information, visit https://mealsonwheelsplus.org/.
