FRONT PORCH

Neal Communities Helps Fill Empty Bowls with the Food Bank of Manatee

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has sponsored the 19th annual Empty Bowls Luncheon with the Food Bank of Manatee for the eighth year in a row. The sponsorship included a $2,500 donation to the organization.

The luncheon, held on Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street on November 22, was hosted by the Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

“Neal Communities has been sponsoring Empty Bowls since 2012,” said Judi Bjork, Vice President of Events and Volunteer Engagement with Meals on Wheels PLUS. “We are so grateful for their support and dedication to our largest fundraiser for the Food Bank of Manatee.”

Empty Bowls was created to celebrate gains in hunger relief in Manatee County and serves as the largest fundraiser for the Food Bank of Manatee. At the luncheon, participants enjoyed soups, breads and desserts made by local restaurants and brought home a hand-painted bowl.

“The Food Bank of Manatee provides an incredible service to our community by providing nutritious food to those in need, and we’re grateful to offer our support,” said Mike Storey, President of Neal Communities. “Hunger is a very harsh reality that many families struggle with, and the Empty Bowls luncheon helps fill the need through fundraising and awareness.”

The Food Bank of Manatee provides nutrition and supportive services to the community. As the largest hunger-relief organization based in Manatee County, it has provided over 30 million pounds of food since 1985 for local children, families and seniors.

For more information or to make a donation, visit Food Bank of Manatee.