While initially founded in 1972, with the purpose of providing hot, nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled residents of Manatee County, Meals on Wheels of Manatee, Inc. became so much more. The organization grew over the years in response to community needs, and the “PLUS” was eventually added to the name as a way of representing the many other services offered.
1970: The Manatee Opportunity Council operates an informal Meals on Wheels (MOW) program.
The Manatee Opportunity Council operates an informal Meals on Wheels (MOW) program. Helen Blue has served on the Council as Secretary since 1964, and she is responsible for organizing the Council’s home delivered meal program.
1972: Federal funding for MOW stops.
Federal funding for MOW stops, and threatens to halt the program and services to its 120 meal recipients. MOW begins difficult task of deciding which meal participants to exclude from the Program. Parrish meal deliveries are stopped first.
1972: Citizens and local churches step in to raise money to continue MOW program.
Citizens and local churches step in to raise money to continue MOW program, but it is estimated these donations will only serve as operating costs until September.
1972: MOW becomes an independent, non-profit community organization.
MOW becomes an independent, non-profit community organization, formed by Helen Blue and Reverend Kenneth Baar, electing a Board of Directors (BOD), and choosing Helen Blue as the program’s President. Rev. Baar is on the BOD. The organization becomes partially financed by federal grant money now, and the initial funding will end in 3 years, leaving the future of MOW unknown.
1972: MOW stops serving the clients pre-made TV dinners.
To reduce costs and offer more variety, MOW stops serving the clients pre-made TV dinners, which are heated/prepared at the Salvation Army in Bradenton and the Senior Citizen Center in Palmetto, and begins making home-cooked meals in the kitchen at the South Manatee Head Start Center. The Head Start Center offers the use of the kitchen to MOW for the months of July and August only. While this temporary move has cut the cost of meals from $0.79 to $0.55, a permanent kitchen is needed by September 1.
1972: City of Bradenton donates the old fire station to MOW.
The City of Bradenton donates the old fire station in Bradenton (912 7th Ave E) to MOW for $1.00 to serve as the cooking facility and headquarters for MOW. It takes 6,500 volunteer hours to clean the building up.
1974: MOW recipients can now choose to receive meals at home.
MOW recipients can now choose to receive meals at home or gather at one of the five new Congregate Dining Centers under the “Meals Together” program. The first dining center was opened at Central Christian Church in 1974.
1974: MOW announces the service program is no longer in danger.
MOW announces the service program is no longer in danger. The program is currently supported locally and will be able to continue indefinitely, regardless of the future availability of federal funds. Meal services are now expanded to serve not only the elderly, but also the disabled.
1976: MOW is forced to begin a waiting list for home-delivered meals.
MOW is forced to begin a waiting list for home-delivered meals, as people applying for the meal delivery service have exceeded what the program can afford.
1976: Special Senate committee calls for a national “Meals on Wheels” program.
Special Senate committee calls for a national “Meals on Wheels” program. Nationally, more than 3,000,000 Americans over the age of 60 are confined to their homes and unable to fix their own meals, but fewer than 60,000 such seniors receive home-delivered meals.
1977: MOW 5th Anniversary.
MOW 5th Anniversary, currently serving 625 citizens daily, 370,000 meals have been served to date and 270 volunteers are listed with the agency, 50,805 volunteer hours have been logged, 323,400 miles have been driven to deliver meals.
1978: MOW’s first original Congregate Dining Center is moved.
MOW’s first original Congregate Dining Center is moved from Central Christian Church to downtown Bradenton – the dining facility is protested by local businessmen and a petition is signed to have the Bradenton Board of Adjustment deny a special exception to MOW to operate the facility. The Board of Adjustment overlooks petition and grants MOW the exception to operate.
1979: MOW “Bike-a-Meal”, meals are delivered via bicycle.
MOW “Bike-a-Meal”, meals are delivered via bicycle.
1981: MOW moves into building at 811 23rd Avenue East.
MOW moves into building at 811 23rd Avenue East.
1982: MOW 10th Anniversary.
MOW 10th Anniversary — MOW serves 1000 meals a day (delivers about 500 and provides 500 at 14 dining spots), employs 10 cooks, enlists help of 350 volunteers, has driven 1,947,623 miles to deliver meals since inception, and meals cost $1.75 each (if participant can afford to pay).
1985: The Food Bank of Manatee is opened.
The Food Bank of Manatee is opened.
1988: MOW becomes Meals on Wheels PLUS (MOWP)
MOW becomes Meals on Wheels PLUS (MOWP) an acronym for Providing Loving Understanding Services.
1990: MOWP has a $1.5 million operating budget.
General statistics – MOWP has a $1.5 million operating budget (44% comes from federal funding, 56% from local support), feeds 1,400-1500 people each day (delivers about 850 meals at 6 dining spots), employs 12 cooks to prepare meals, meals cost $2.50 each (if participant can afford to pay), has served over 3.5 million meals, has a staff of 50, enlists help from 700 volunteers and feeds 100 preschoolers daily.
1991: MOWP breaks the World Record for largest Easter Egg hunt.
Fun Fact – MOWP breaks the World Record for largest Easter Egg hunt, hiding over 120,000 Plastic eggs.
1991: 4 millionth meal served.
4 millionth meal served, MOWP has a $1.7 million operating budget, employs 44, has 500-600 Volunteers, feeds 1200-1500 people each day (delivers 870 meals, and the remaining meals are served in dining facilities and preschools).
1993: Helen Blue retires and Ellen Campbell becomes President and CEO.
Helen Blue retires and Ellen Campbell becomes President and CEO.
1994: 5 millionth meal served.
5 millionth meal served, MOWP employs 43, feeds 1500 people each day (delivers 900 meals, And the remaining meals are served in dining facilities and preschools) and requires 120 Volunteers each day for meal delivery services alone.
2000: 7 millionth meal served.
7 millionth meal served.
2004: MOWP takes over operation of Daybreak Adult Day Center.
MOWP takes over operation of Daybreak Adult Day Center.
2005: First public review to approve plans to renovate and operate a senior activity center.
MOWP goes before the Bradenton Planning Commission for its first public review to approve plans to renovate and operate a senior activity center located at 1816 9th St W.
2005: Bradenton’s City Council votes in favor of MOWP turning a vacant building into a senior activity center named “Crossroads”.
Bradenton’s City Council votes 5-0 in favor of MOWP turning a vacant building on 9th St W into a 25,000 sq. ft. senior activity center named “Crossroads”. A quarter of Manatee County’s 287,000 residents (71,000) are older than 65 — Bradenton is the largest city in the state without an activity center designed for seniors.
2007: MOWP begins operating the Senior Enrichment Center.
MOWP begins operating the Senior Enrichment Center, now named Renaissance on 9th. However, it is only partially furnished and several of the programs and services are unable to operate fully (or at all) due to limited funding.
2007: Legislative presentations regarding the need for State funding to help the operation of the Senior Enrichment Center.
Legislators hear presentations regarding the need for State funding to help bring the operation of the Senior Enrichment Center’s programs and services to 100%.
2008: The Florida Department of Elder Affairs awards MOWP $2 million to help pay for the Senior Enrichment Center.
The Florida Department of Elder Affairs awards MOWP $2 million to help pay for the programs, services and construction costs associated with the new Senior Enrichment Center, Renaissance on 9th.
2008: MOWP Senior Enrichment Center opens to the public.
Doors to the MOWP Senior Enrichment Center, Renaissance on 9th, “officially” open to the public. More than 300 seniors have already purchased annual passes to the Center.
2008: The Senior Wheels program of MOWP is born with a $100,000 grant.
The Senior Wheels program of MOWP is born with a $100,000 grant and the purchase of 3 Hybrid, Toyota Prius sedans, which will serve as “taxis’ to carry seniors to appointments, grocery shopping and activities in our community.
2009: The Food Bank of Manatee receives a donation of a new refrigerated truck from Feeding America and the Lincy Foundation.
The Food Bank of Manatee receives a donation of a new refrigerated truck from Feeding America and the Lincy Foundation, allowing The Food Bank to collect more perishable food than ever before. The Food Bank distributes 1,000,000 lbs. of food annually has over 300 Volunteers to aid in the distribution.
2009: MOWP has a $9.2 million operating budget.
General Statistics — MOWP has a $9.2 million operating budget, employs 90, feeds 3,000 to 5,000 people weekly (delivers 800 meals a day, and The Food Bank ships supplies to another 100 agencies, feeding 2,500 a day) and oversees 500 volunteers.
2010: 9 millionth meal is served by Ellen Campbell and Kenneth Baar.
9 millionth meal is served by Ellen Campbell and Kenneth Baar to 13-year client, Evangeline Hall. MOWP serves 4000 meals per week. This month also marks dedication of the new walk-in cooler at The Food Bank of Manatee, a project which required more than $100,000 and 2 years to complete due to re-wiring and roof expansion.
2012: Ellen Campbell retires.
Ellen Campbell retires.
2012: Maribeth Phillips becomes President & CEO.
Maribeth Phillips becomes President & CEO.
2012: Charity Navigator notifies MOWP it has received the highest possible rating of 4-Stars.
Charity Navigator notifies MOWP it has received the highest possible rating of 4-Stars.
2013: Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee wins the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2013 Non-Profit of The Year Awards.
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee wins the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2013 Non-Profit of The Year Awards (selected “Overall” and in the “Health & Human Services” category).
2015: MOWP purchases adjacent property to Renaissance on 9th.
MOWP purchases adjacent property to Renaissance on 9th.
2015: 10 millionth meal delivery is celebrated.
10 millionth meal delivery is celebrated.
2016: Accounting Department relocates to the Renaissance on 9th building.
Accounting Department relocates to the Renaissance on 9th building.
2017: MOWP reorganizes operations at Renaissance
MOWP reorganizes operations at Renaissance on 9th and eliminates Catering and other programs to focus on core mission; MOWP reports a surplus for the first time since 2014.
2017: Building at 3231 59th Ave Dr E Unit 101 leased for a 2nd Food Bank location.
Building at 3231 59th Ave Dr E Unit 101 leased for a 2nd Food Bank location.
2017: HDM preparation is outsourced to Metz Culinary Management.
HDM preparation is outsourced to Metz Culinary Management, generating increased efficiencies and minimizing risk.
2018 MOWP receives Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar.
MOWP receives Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar.
2018: OAA clients began receiving an additional “chilled” meal.
OAA clients began receiving an additional “chilled” meal.
2018: The “Produce on Wheels” program was initiated serving produce to all HDM clients.
The “Produce on Wheels” program was initiated serving produce to all HDM clients.
2018: The Food Bank receives a new refrigerated Mobile Produce Pantry.
Through a grant provided by Bradenton Kiwanis, The Food Bank receives a new refrigerated Mobile Produce Pantry with the purpose of distributing produce to children and families.
2018: MOWP leases 80% of Renaissance on 9th facility to Bradenton Dream Center (Bayside Church).
MOWP leases 80% of Renaissance on 9th facility to Bradenton Dream Center (Bayside Church).
2018: Food Bank of Manatee becomes an independent Food Bank.
Food Bank of Manatee becomes an independent Food Bank when Feeding America member (Feeding Tampa Bay) changes distribution model.
2018: Post Hurricane Irma, The Food Bank of Manatee distributes more than 52,000 pounds of food.
Post Hurricane Irma, The Food Bank of Manatee distributes more than 52,000 pounds of food and nearly 10 tons of bottled water to almost 1,000 households in Manatee County.
2019: Property adjacent to 811 23rd Ave was purchased for future expansion.
Property adjacent to 811 23rd Ave was purchased for future expansion.
2019: MOWP voted Herald Tribune Readers’ Choice best Non-profit Organization and best Fundraising Event in Manatee County.
MOWP voted Herald Tribune Readers’ Choice best Non-profit Organization and best Fundraising Event in Manatee County.
2019: MOWP volunteer, Mike Korsch, receives Senior Connection’s Center Salt & Pepper Award.
MOWP volunteer, Mike Korsch, receives Senior Connection’s Center Salt & Pepper Award for outstanding community service and volunteerism in the region.
2019: The Food Bank of Manatee received repairs to both the interior and exterior of the building.
The Food Bank of Manatee received repairs to both the interior and exterior of the building while continuing to operate out of leased warehouse space on 59th Ave.
2020: MOWP voted Herald Tribune Readers’ Choice best Nonprofit Organization in Manatee County.
MOWP voted Herald Tribune Readers’ Choice best Nonprofit Organization in Manatee County.
2020: The Food Bank of Manatee moves operations.
The Food Bank of Manatee moves operations from leased space back into original renovated property on the main campus located at 811 23rd Ave. East.
2020: Impacts of global pandemic, COVID-19, felt in Manatee County.
Impacts of global pandemic, COVID-19, felt in Manatee County. Those over age 65 are particularly vulnerable to pandemic. Daybreak Adult Day Center and Friendship Dining Programs temporarily suspended for client safety. MOWP retools operations of Home-delivered Meals and Food Bank of Manatee to meet the rising needs.
2020: MOWP launches Food4Families, a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Effort.
MOWP, in support of the School District of Manatee, launches Food4Families, a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Effort to help feed Manatee County residents in need of food due to the pandemic. This program requires modification of program delivery as a weekly direct-distribution event to the community as socially-distanced, drive-through events.
2020: Florida unemployment rate climbs to 13.4% due to pandemic.
Florida unemployment rate climbs to 13.4% due to pandemic. Client counts dramatically increase for both home-delivered meals and The Food Bank of Manatee. Volunteers over age 65 are asked to stay home to stay safe. MOWP must serve many more clients with significantly less volunteers.
2020: MOWP remains among the top two nonprofits on the 2020 Giving Challenge Leaderboard.
MOWP remains among the top two nonprofits on the 2020 Giving Challenge Leaderboard for the entirety of the 48-hour campaign. Over 700 nonprofit organizations participate. MOWP donations total over $295,000!
2020: MOWP participates in the Restaurant Initiative organized by the Department of Elder Affairs.
MOWP participates in the Restaurant Initiative organized by the Department of Elder Affairs to help feed seniors in need with restaurants hurting from COVID-19 closures. MOWP serves over 11,200 meals through this program in 2020.
2020: MOWP continues to see record need for home-delivered meal and Food Bank of Manatee programs.
MOWP continues to see record need for home-delivered meal and Food Bank of Manatee programs. Media attention about food-insecurity across the country continues to keep the work of MOWP in the spotlight throughout the region.
2020 11 millionth home-delivered meal served.
11 millionth home-delivered meal served.
2020: Board of Directors vote to permanently close the Senior Enrichment Center.
Due to years of declining enrollment and the further impacts of COVID-19, Board of Directors vote to permanently close the Senior Enrichment Center.
2020: MOWP breaks ground on addition at 301 Campus.
MOWP breaks ground on addition at 301 Campus that will house administrative staff, a Friendship Dining Center, and a Nutrition Training Center.
2020: MOWP releases 2020 calendar year impact report.
MOWP releases 2020 calendar year impact report showing: over 267,000 home-delivered meals served; over 780,000 meals provided through Food4Families; over 3 million pounds of food distributed by The Food Bank of Manatee; over 19,400 volunteer hours served by over 1,000 volunteers; over 1,600 emergency baby baskets containing diapers, formula, and wipes provided to Manatee County residents.
2021: MOWP receives transformational, unrestricted gift from global philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
MOWP receives transformational, unrestricted gift from global philanthropist MacKenzie Scott totaling $4,000,000.
2021: MOWP voted Herald Tribune Readers’ Choice best Nonprofit Organization and best Fundraising Event.
MOWP voted Herald Tribune Readers’ Choice best Nonprofit Organization and best Fundraising Event, Tropical Nights, in Manatee County.
2021: MOWP voted Bradenton Herald People’s Choice winner for best Nonprofit Organization.
MOWP voted Bradenton Herald People’s Choice winner for best Nonprofit Organization.
2021: MOWP voted SRQ Magazine Bronze Medal for best Nonprofit Organization.
MOWP voted SRQ Magazine Bronze Medal for best Nonprofit Organization.