Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County Partner to Launch Feeding Families & Nourishing Minds Program

Bradenton, FL – February 20, 2025 The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, and Early Learning Coalition have partnered to launch the Feeding Families & Nourishing Minds program in Manatee County. Through this program, Early Learning Coalition will provide a variety of high-quality books for children from birth to 12 years old to be distributed through various Food Bank of Manatee initiatives including free food distributions and emergency food programs.

“This is such a natural partnership, and we are thrilled to launch ‘Feeding Families & Nourishing Minds’ with Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “We are feeding babies and children in Manatee County through The Food Bank of Manatee and to be able to nourish their minds by providing free, appropriate books adds to our impact in the community,” she added.

“We are thrilled to partner with such a fantastic organization as Meals on Wheels PLUS who does such great work in our community. This collaboration presents another opportunity for ELC to expand our focus on early literacy and preparing children for school, and also supports school aged children,” said Darrel King, Chief Executive Officer of Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County.

Beginning February 20, 2025, The Food Bank of Manatee will include free books provided by Early Learning Coalition at community-wide distribution events. For more information, visit www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org.