Tens of thousands of our Manatee County neighbors go hungry every day. By one estimate, as many as 12% of the county’s 440,000 residents regularly struggle with “food insecurity” – not knowing how and when they will be able to properly feed their families.
As the county continues to grow, and food prices continue to rise, the situation is becoming a crisis. In the first six months of 2024 alone, 3.5 million pounds (2.9 million meals) were distributed in Manatee County, a startling 42% increase from the same period in 2023.
There is some good news, though: There are at least 87 organizations providing food pantry, dining and prepared meal delivery services in the county.
That said, there’s been no framework for collaboration or sharing of information among the organizations. To address this challenge, a group called the Manatee County Food Security Network is creating a platform for collaboration, which in turn will get food to more residents in need.
The Food Security Network, convened by the Bishop-Parker Foundation, is a group of 50-plus organizations that are doing their part to address the county’s hunger issues. They range from large organizations like FoodRecovery.org and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee County to smaller entities like Our Daily Bread and Kim’s Krew. Significantly, the public sector is very involved, with officials from government, schools and police taking part.
The first step after starting the Food Security Network in 2023 was to better quantify the food insecurity issue in Manatee County. Creation in Common, a consulting firm the group is working with for research and strategy, found that these geographic areas in particular are both vulnerable and underserved – Ellenton, South Bradenton, Oneco, Samoset and West Samoset.
Then, the group worked to determine overall goals for its efforts. After working together to narrow down a long list of ideas, the Food Security Network has decided it will focus on these four strategic goals:
Certainly, the Food Security Network has made good progress, and everyone is eager to turn the group’s strategic goals into action. We expect that to start happening this spring and summer, and we will keep the community informed of our progress every step of the way.
What can you do to help? Support the nonprofits helping those in need, whether it’s volunteering your time, donating, or simply learning more about the issues. And if you want to learn more about the Food Security Network, visit Bishop-Parker Foundation’s website or contact us directly.
We can make so much more impact on challenging community issues if we work together, and we are excited about the Food Security Network and what we can do to help Manatee County residents in need.
Wendy Deming is CEO of the Bishop-Parker Foundation, based in Bradenton.
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pattybeenutty
Not only is there food insecurity, but when Trump cuts Medicaid from the budget line, what will happen to the stress on our hospitals? We cannot starve people and let them die on the side of our roads. Wake up America! We will become a third-world country.
70% of our homeless are Vietnam Veterans!!!
And I am not crazy; face the truth!
Wednesday, February 19 Report this
historicalnewyork
Thank you so much for this article. Coordination among agencies is so important, not only for addressing food insecurity but also for addressing homelessness and affordable housing. What is also often missing is an awareness among the general population of these issues. They affect so many people, but the problems are often hidden in plain site. Please keep reporting on them.
Wednesday, February 19 Report this
ivangroo
https://www.cjr.org/analysis/america-needs-working-class-media-end-catering-rich-audiences.php
Wednesday, February 19 Report this
susiewalters3
Thank you for leading the charge on this very worthy effort in collaboration and coordination, Bishop Parker Foundation! All the participants deserve our gratitude in their participation and daily efforts to feed those in need of food in our community. Thank you for publishing.
Wednesday, February 19 Report this