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OCTOBER ENGAGEMENT: FOOD FOR FAMILIES

Two out of every five families in our Suncoast region don't earn enough to address their basic household budget needs. As the statistics from the 2024 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report roll in, we recognize that more people find themselves living paycheck to paycheck and working hard to keep their heads above water. But we also recognize the best way to help involves marshalling our resources and uniting the community behind a collective effort. Throughout the month of October, we invite you to support ALICE families through the below opportunities.

 

VOLUNTEER

  • Stuff the Bus: Stuff the Bus is an annual food donation drive that will be held on October 6 at all Manatee County Publix locations through a partnership with Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee County, the School District of Manatee County, Publix, Mosaic and United Way Suncoast. Volunteers will accept donations from community shoppers at Publix and organize and load them onto the bus. View available shifts.
  • Home Plate Market at Campbell Park Resource Center: 
    • Volunteers will support staff while the pantry is open with various tasks such as sanitizing, stocking shelves, assisting individuals/families, and other duties as needed. View available shifts.
    • Volunteers are also needed during delivery days when Feeding Tampa Bay drops off the donated food. Volunteers will support staff in unloading the truck and restocking the market. View available shifts.
  • Feeding Tampa Bay: Feeding Tampa Bay believes that every single person can do something to help end hunger in America. During this opportunity, volunteers will sort donated food at their warehouse, which serves 10 counties in West Central Florida. View available shifts.
  • Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels of Tampa serves over 1,000 meals per day to our homebound neighbors. Volunteers will work in the kitchen to help prepare items that will be delivered to these neighbors. View available shifts.
  • Ronald McDonald House: The Mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. Through this opportunity, volunteers provide a well-balanced meal to families after they've spent all day at the hospital. View the opportunity here.
  • All Faiths Food Bank: All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization serving Sarasota and DeSoto counties. View these drive-thru mobile pantry opportunties: Casa San Juan Bosco or DeSoto Village Mobile Home Park.

 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Thank you to MetLife and HCA Healthcare for sponsoring Snack kits!

 

DIY OPPORTUNITIES

Community volunteers are invited to create the below kits at home that would be distributed to children in the Suncoast region:

 

If you are in need of supplemental food and/or nutrition programs, call 211 or visit www.211.org to receive local assistance.

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