Food Bank of Manatee aims to help feed local kids

Food Bank aims to help feed local kids

The Food Bank of Manatee is hosting a nonperishable food drive called "White Out Summer Hunger" from now until May 31 to help local children.

Children of low-income families often need help with food during the months when school is not in session, according to a Food Bank of Manatee news release.

While 55 percent of local children are eligible for free or reduced-priced school meals in Manatee County, they are not all able to access nutrition programs in the summer, the release states. "No child should spend the summer hungry," said Maribeth Phillips, CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS, which operates The Food Bank of Manatee. "Last summer, our community provided over 5,000 bags of food to children and families in need."

Donations can be dropped off at The Food Bank of Manatee, 811 23rd Avenue East, Bradenton, at collection bins at any Manatee County Goodwill location, or call to request a collection barrel at your location.

Monetary donations can be made online at www.foodbankofmanatee.org or mailed to the address above. Simply note "Summer Hunger" in a check memo or when contributing non-perishable goods.

Information: The Food Bank at 941-747-4655.

-- Herald staff report

This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 5:49 PM with the headline "Food Bank of Manatee aims to help feed local kids ."