Community Corner

Food Bank of Manatee Asking for Donations

The Food Bank of Manatee is asking local businesses to contribute food during September and October because those are the two slowest months of the year for donations.

Local organizations, businesses and neighborhood groups have already raised more than $74,000 and collected more than 10,700 pounds of food as part of this year’s Grand Challenge to restock the shelves at the Food Bank of Manatee.   

Local businesses have raised $33,000, Rotary clubs of Manatee have pledged a combined $11,500 and the Manatee Community Foundation has pledged $30,000. The Mosaic Company Foundation is committed to matching up to $100,000 dollar for dollar or pound for pound of food raised during this year’s Challenge. 

More than more than 90 local groups are participating in the September-long community food and fundraiser to benefit the Food Bank. A Manatee County Government leadership team meeting last week netted one ton of food alone. But organizers say more is needed to help feed local families and it’s not too late for businesses and groups to participate. 

“The outpouring of support has been outstanding, but our food is being distributed to local agencies almost as quickly as it’s donated,” said Food Bank Director Cindy Sloan. “We’re hopeful that the community will continue this great fundraising pace to achieve the entire $100,000 match from Mosaic Company Foundation. We’re getting close, so every bit helps.” 

Sloan said October is typically a slow month for donations, a trend that continues until right before Thanksgiving and into the holiday season. 

Anyone interested can obtain a Food Bank food collection barrel by calling (941) 747-FOOD. Food Drive Kits can also be found on the Food Bank’s website. Throughout September a participating group can simply call the Food Bank to retrieve food from full collection barrels. 


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