Are YOU Hungry? Mayors Feed the Hungry

[Judy Dean]

"Thanks to the continued support of schools, religious organizations, corporate sponsors and individual members of our community, we have helped thousands of hungry children and adults who rely on assistance from programs like ours.” says Joel Swallow, Chairman of the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program. “This year, I invite the entire community to come together and help us exceed last year’s contributions and ensure that everyone has a bright holiday season.”

Implemented in Sarasota in 1978 by former mayor Fredd Atkins, the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is endorsed by: Bradenton Mayor, Wayne Poston; Longboat Key Mayor Hal Lenobel; Manatee County Commission Chair, Jane Von Hahmann; North Port Commission Chair, Fred Tower, III; Sarasota County Commission Chair, Shannan Staub; Sarasota Mayor, Lou Ann Palmer; and Venice Mayor, Ed Martin. They are joined by a growing list of corporate sponsors including: Publix Charities; Comcast; SNN6; Brighthouse Networks; The Joy FM; Smurfit-Stone; AFFF Local 2546; InterServe; Serbin Printing; Fred C Schneider, CPA; Andrew E. Hooker and Asso.; Sarasota County; and The Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

In 21 years of generous community and support, the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program has collected and distributed over 100 tons of food and over $2 million in food gift cards given to the hungry in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. All money collected stays in our communities and is used for food gift cards distributed by local churches, civic groups and social service agencies. Recipients may redeem their food gift cards at area Publix supermarkets allowing them both dignity and choice. The only administrative expenses are for the production of printed materials and mailing costs. All officers and board members are volunteers.

Last year the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program provided $10 food gift cards to over 14,000 hungry people in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Over 35% of the recipients were children, over 16% were handicapped and over 15% were elderly, the remaining to others in need; however, more than 20,000 gift card requests were left unfilled.

A gift of $10 will provide a meal for one person, $ 20 for two people, $50 for five, and so on. Contribution forms are available by calling Joel Swallow, chairman at [phone], or by visiting our website: mayorsfeedthehungry.org hosted by Inter-Serv Internet Services. Computer users can make secure credit card contributions on-line or print a mail-in form for check or credit card contributions. All mail-in forms should be sent to: The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program, P.O. Box 1992, Sarasota, FL 34230-1992. www.MayorsFeedTheHungry.org.

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.)

Wondering where our next meal is coming from is something most of us never have to worry about. However, for many in Sarasota and Manatee counties, it’s a constant concern. “We are issuing a call to action to our communities, businesses and community organizations to lend a helping hand once more,” urges Joel Swallow. “Please send a contribution today and help make sure that no adult or child 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.”