Food charity to start monthly free produce giveaway for Manatee County families

A local food charity will help families in need put some healthy food on the table with a new program set to begin this week.

On Thursday, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee will offer free produce at three locations in Manatee County. The monthly giveaway will take place on the third Thursday of every month from September to May.

Produce will be available at the following times and locations:

▪ 8-10 a.m. Thursday at Visible Men Academy, 921 63rd Ave. East, Bradenton;

▪ 8-10 am. Thursday at Sozo Missions, 3124 17th St. E., Bradenton;

▪ 12:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday at Increasing Joy Ministries, 2515 37th St. E., Palmetto.

The mobile pantry locations were selected based on close proximity to six of Manatee County’s Title I schools, according to the nonprofit. They are Blackburn, Daughtrey, Oneco, Rogers Garden, Samoset and Tillman elementary schools. However, families from anywhere in the county can make use of the program.

“This initiative is aimed at getting fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables into Manatee County homes,” Meals on Wheels PLUS president Maribeth Phillips said in a press release.

The hunger relief organization also continues to sponsor drive-thru food pantry events at The Bradenton Dream Center, 1816 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. The next events are planned for from 4 to 6 p.m. Sep. 23 and Sep. 30. At the drive-thru, families can receive breakfast, lunch and dinner meals that will feed a family of five for two or more days.

For more information, visit mealsonwheelsplus.org.

This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 5:00 AM.