Lakewood Rotarians help stamp out hunger

LAKEWOOD RANCH — With needs for food demands increasing daily, the Food Bank of Manatee has been hard-pressed to meet the needs of the agencies it serves.

However, one Lakewood Ranch civic group stepped up to the challenge. The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch on Aug. 11 donated nearly $3,000 in food for the cause.

“It’s something the club felt could make an immediate impact in our local community,” Rotary President John Freeman said. “It’s an incredible job they do here (at the food bank). They support a variety of agencies that serve a diverse segment of the community.”

Bank Director Cindy Sloan said the donation went to immediate use.

“Our agencies are inundated with families needing help,” Sloan said, noting the Rotarian’s entire donation had been distributed by Monday afternoon.

Sloan said bulk non-perishable donations, such as the one made by Rotarians, are rare, and having food delivered in cases not only makes donations easier to handle but also reduces expenses associated with sorting and boxing the items. The bank pays about 85 cents per box.

Bank Vice President of Development Kristen Theisen said the organization already has distributed 500,000 pounds more than this time last year — about 1,968,000 pounds. In total, the agency distributed 2.6 million pounds of food in 2010 and already is close to distributing 2 million, with five months in the year still to go.

“Whatever we bring in goes out so quickly,” Theisen said. “We do still need continued support from the community.”

Theisen said donations of perishable, bulk foods are up, but the bank is still in need of non-perishable items such as beans, canned meat and peanut butter. The bank serves 99 non-profit agencies, including church food pantries, after-school programs and more.

In the past, the Rotary Club has awarded grants — proceeds from its Suncoast Food and Wine Festival — to the bank. However, after it learned the organization needed more help, the club decided to supplement the bank further.

Monetary donations can be made online at www.foodbankofmanatee.org. Food donations can be delivered to 811 23rd Ave. E., Bradenton. For more, call 747-FOOD.

Contact Pam [email protected].

HOW TO HELP
The Food Bank of Manatee will hold two fundraisers in the East County in October. A Living Full event will be held Oct. 16, at The Polo Bar & Grill, and Empty Bowls events will be held Oct. 21 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

The Living Full campaign also includes a Food Drive Competition for businesses. The contest runs from Sept. 12-23.