Bishop-Parker Foundation Funds University of South Florida Project with Manatee Food Security Network to Map Food Access
$39,250 grant will support a 12-month project to update the network’s food access map, strengthen hunger response
Bishop-Parker Foundation has awarded a $39,250 grant to the University of South Florida’s College of Arts and Sciences to help Manatee Food Security Network better understand where food access gaps exist across Manatee County. The 12-month project will update the network’s online map of food providers - a public tool that helps residents and service organizations locate food pantries, meal programs and other nutrition resources - and develop a strategic work plan to strengthen community responses to hunger.
The project will be led by Dr. David Himmelgreen and the Center for the Advancement of Food Security & Healthy Communities (CAFSHC) in USF’s College of Arts and Sciences. Through surveys and interviews with network providers, the team will gather updated information about services, capacity, and gaps across the county’s food security landscape.
“This mapping project is essential to understanding how we can better serve families experiencing food insecurity in Manatee County,” said Emily Grant, Director of the Manatee Food Security Network. “By collecting current data from our network providers, we’ll be able to identify gaps, strengthen coordination, and ensure resources reach the people who need them most.”
“Reliable data is critical for building effective community food systems,” said Dr. David Himmelgreen. “This project will help partners across Manatee County better understand where services exist, where gaps remain and how organizations can work together to improve access to nutritious food.”
After the USDA terminated the Food Insecurity survey in September 2025, initially created to support the increase of SNAP eligibility and benefit allotments, the Household Food Security Reports ended. Without this guiding benchmark that provides valuable insights to inform evidence-based policy recommendations, this partnership is more critical than ever.
MFSN strengthens food security in Manatee County by amplifying the voices of people experiencing food insecurity and strengthening collaboration among agencies, partners, local leaders, and funders. The network’s mission centers on community-driven solutions and inclusive engagement.
About Bishop-Parker Foundation
Inspired by the philanthropic legacies of our founders, Bishop-Parker Foundation supports nonprofit and public partners who collaborate to advance the Manatee County community for current and future generations. For additional information, please contact Wendy Deming at wendy@bishopparkerfoundation.org.
About Manatee Food Security Network
The Manatee Food Security Network strengthens food security in Manatee County through community solutions that amplify the voice of people experiencing food insecurity and strengthen the network of agencies, partners, local leaders, and funders engaged in addressing hunger. Learn more at www.manateefood.org.