About Us

Since its meager beginnings in 1987, the Mayor’s Feed the Hungry Program has collected and distributed over 200 tons of food and over $2,000,000 in food gift cards given to the hungry in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Implemented by former Sarasota mayor Fredd Adkins, the Mayors' Feed the Hungry Program is endorsed this year by:

• Bradenton Mayor
• Longboat Key Mayor
• Manatee County Commission Chair
• North Port Commission Chair
• Sarasota County Commission Chair
• Sarasota Mayor

School children have brought canned goods to food drives, corporate sponsors have donated goods and services, religious organizations have collected bags of food and individual members of our communities have made generous contributions - to lend a helping hand to the hungry in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Food Gift Cards are purchased from donations made to the Mayors Feed the Hungry Program. Publix generously contributes an additional amount. Recipients may redeem their vouchers at area stores allowing them to select the items they want and need, while affording them dignity and choice.

For the amount of money you would spend for lunch, for example $10.00, you can provide a meal for one hungry person - $25.00 can feed a family! This year because of economic conditions we know the number of voucher requests will be greater than ever.

All contributions are 100% tax deductible. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll free, within the state, 1-800-HELPFLA. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.

So please, make a contribution. Your generosity will assure that no child or adult will go hungry during the holidays - please feed as many as you can!

"We are issuing a call to action to our communities, businesses and community organizations to lend a helping hand once more. Please send a contribution today and help make sure that no child or adult in Sarasota and Manatee counties will go hungry this holiday season. Every dollar counts, so please give generously and feed as many as you can."

-Joel Swallow, Chairman o Mayors' Feed the Hungry Program