Homeless Kids Get Help Through Food Drive

The Manatee County Tax Collector is launching a year-long food drive today to help support Feeding Empty Little Tummies Inc.

Also known as F.E.L.T., the program taps volunteers to fill donated backpacks with two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners, as well as two nutritious snacks so students, identified by the School Board as homeless, will have food to eat over the weekend. 

As children have special needs, “kid friendly” food is necessary to fill these backpacks.

“The F.E.L.T. program feeds hundreds of children in Manatee County that otherwise would go hungry each weekend,” said Tax Collector Ken Burton, Jr. 

“Our employees chose to personally become involved and our participation lines up perfectly with our core value of community and social responsibility. Now we are inviting the community to join us in this very heartfelt effort.”

Citizens can do their part, too. The Tax Collector's Office is seeking donated foods that include:

• oatmeal/cereal packs;
• pasta/mac cups;
• fruit cups/raisin packs;
• beans with franks;
• peanut butter cups;
• fruit bars/granola;
• tuna/spam packs;
• ramen noodles;
• peanuts, almonds;
• pudding cups;
• hot chocolate;
• soup cups;
• non-perishable milk, tab tops (no glass).

It's easy to donate. All four of the Tax Collector’s offices will have food collection bins in the lobbies for food donations from the community.  

The locations are:

1. 819 301 Blvd., Bradenton
2. 7411 Manatee Avenue W., Bradenton
3. 6007 111^th St. E., Lakewood Ranch
4. 4333 US 301 N, Ellenton. 

For more information on F.E.L.T. Inc. of Manatee visit www.feltinc.org.