Food4Families distribution moves to downtown Bradenton location
During the extended school break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food4Families program helped feed families by providing bags of food for the weekend, delivered to neighborhoods.
Under that program, Meals on Wheels trucks followed the Manatee County food and nutrition mobile feeding buses, delivering bags containing six meals to feed a family of five breakfast, lunch, and dinner over the weekend.
More than 400,000 meals were provided direct to families in need through the Food4Families program. Starting this month, Food4Families distributions take place at a new time, on a new day, in a new location.
Distributions are planned 4-6 p.m. Wednesday and Aug. 26 at Renaissance on 9th /Bradenton Dream Center, 1816 Ninth St. W.
The drive-through distributions are designed for limited-contact. Those coming to receive food should follow signage and remain in their vehicle. Food4Families bags contain breakfast, lunch, and dinner to feed a family of five for two or more days. The food is provided free of charge.
“For over 21 weeks we have been providing food to help the hungry through our Food4Families direct distributions in support of the School District of Manatee at their Summer Break Spots. As students go back to school, we are continuing our mission to provide vital nutrition through the Food4Families Program at Renaissance on 9th,” Maribeth Phillips, president & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, said in a press release.
“We anticipate food-insecurity will continue to rise in Manatee County due to the impacts of COVID-19 and we are here to help fill the gap,” Phillips said.
In addition to the Food4Families program, The Food Bank of Manatee provides food to numerous food pantries and partner agencies who are feeding an additional 25,000-plus families each week.
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, visit https://mealsonwheelsplus.org/ to learn more about the services available through Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.
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. 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.
