Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program Expands Services

August 9, 2024 | Sarasota

For more than three decades, The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program (MFTHP) has stocked local food pantries with nutritious food and valuable grocery gift cards. But not everyone who needs food can make it to a pantry during distribution hours. Disabilities, lack of transportation, and long work hours can make it difficult for some people to receive the assistance they need.

The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry new Food Insecurity Program aims to change that.

The MFTHP is now partnering with the Pi Beta Beta Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi service fraternity to bring food into underserved communities where demand is high. The next event is scheduled for 8:00 am Saturday August 17^th at 13^th Avenue Dream Center, 922 24^th Street East, Bradenton. A hearty breakfast meal will be served along with snacks and information on healthier eating habits and healthier options at the grocery store. 

The new food insecurity initiative will also connect the MFTHP to other local non-profits. Director Scott Biehler hopes new partnerships will benefit each group and the people they serve. A congregation in a neighborhood without a food pantry, a service organization, or a mental health agency could all be valuable partners.

“We are blessed to have so many dedicated pantry donors and volunteers in Sarasota and Manatee counties,” Biehler said.

“However, we know that there are people who are homeless, mentally challenged, socially isolated, disabled, or what have you who can’t make it to a food pantry. By teaming up with other organizations, we hope the Food Insecurity Program will be able to reach more families who can use this help.”

The Mayors; Feed the Hungry Program is asking Sarasota and Manatee county residents to consider donating to the Food Insecurity Program. The program is monetary gifts which allows partner organizations to buy bulk ingredients and assemble many uniform meals easily.

Donations can be made online, by text, by check, or in person.

·         To donate online, go to www.mayorsfeedthehungry.org.

·         To donate by mail, send a check to Mayors’ Feed the Hungry, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, FL 34236