Thanksgiving food drive feeds the hungry

+ Thanksgiving food drive feeds the hungry
The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving Food Drive offers communities a chance to help those who are experiencing the deepest impact of a struggling economy.

Donations may be taken to collection boxes at City Halls or police stations in Palmetto, Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice and North Port, or to any participating school in Manatee and Sarasota counties Nov. 7 through Nov. 18. In Sarasota, food donations can also be made from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 18, at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd.

In 24 years of community support, the program has collected and distributed more than 100 tons of food and more than $2.2 million in food gift cards. Last year, it provided more than 20,000 food gift cards with more than 35% going to children, 16% to people with disabilities, 15% to the elderly and the remaining 34% to others in need.