The Junior League of Manatee County (JLMC) is launching its annual Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI), a five-day awareness and fundraising campaign running October 26–30 to shine a light on food insecurity and support local efforts to help neighbors in need.
During LBDI, JLMC members wear the same black dress or outfit for five consecutive days, sparking conversations about poverty, hunger, and the difficult choices families can face when resources are limited. By sharing information and personal stories throughout the week, members aim to raise awareness of food insecurity in Manatee County and inspire community action.
This year, funds raised through LBDI will support Feed The Need, JLMC’s community impact initiative focused on helping address local food insecurity. Through monthly food collection drives at area grocery store locations, JLMC members collect nonperishable food donations for local food pantries and organizations serving individuals and families throughout Manatee County.
Launched this year, Feed The Need is building a foundation for continued community impact. JLMC hopes to grow the initiative over time by expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships with local organizations, and increasing food collections to help meet community needs. Funds raised through LBDI will help support the growth and expansion of this important work.
“What may look like a simple black dress is an opportunity to start a much bigger conversation,” said Katie Blankenfeld, President of the Junior League of Manatee County. “Through LBDI, we want to help our community better understand the challenges of food insecurity and show how collective action can make a meaningful difference for our neighbors. Every conversation, every donation, and every act of service helps us move closer to a stronger, more food-secure Manatee County.”
Community members are invited to join the effort. Donations help support Feed The Need and JLMC’s ongoing work to address food insecurity locally. Community members can contribute to the campaign through the JLMC Facebook fundraiser at:
Donate to the Little Black Dress Initiative:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1E219N19X3/
In addition to donating, community members can help by sharing campaign posts, spreading awareness about food insecurity, and participating in upcoming Feed The Need food collection drives.
As part of LBDI week, JLMC will also host a community social night out on Thursday, October 29, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Delany’s Public House on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Members and the public are invited to wear their favorite little black dress, connect with others, and support JLMC’s mission. The gathering will also feature a 50/50 raffle benefiting the organization’s community impact efforts.
Through the Little Black Dress Initiative and Feed The Need, the Junior League of Manatee County continues its commitment to developing women as civic leaders and creating lasting, positive change in the community.
To learn more about the Junior League of Manatee County, support the LBDI campaign, or get involved with Feed The Need, visit the organization’s website and social media channels. https://manateecounty.jl.org/
About the Junior League of Manatee County
The Junior League of Manatee County is a nonprofit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Through community partnerships, volunteer service, leadership development, and fundraising, JLMC works to create lasting change throughout Manatee County.
