Kind Mouse Founder Gina Wilkins Expands Mission to Manatee County, Reaching Hundreds of Students Weekly

A grassroots effort that has already fed more than 1.3 million children in the Tampa Bay region is now gaining traction in Manatee County, where the nonprofit Kind Mouse has begun serving local students facing food insecurity.

Founded by Gina Wilkins in St. Petersburg, Kind Mouse provides weekend meal support for children who may not have consistent access to food outside of school. The organization partners with schools to discreetly distribute bags filled with easy-to-prepare, child-friendly meals, helping bridge the gap for families in need.

In April, Wilkins was recognized for her impact across the region as a recipient of the Remarkable Women of Tampa Bay award, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through service and leadership.

While Kind Mouse has operated in Pinellas County for several years, its expansion into Manatee County is still in its early stages. The local initiative, launched approximately one year ago, is already making a measurable difference. At CHS (Children's Home Society) and Empath’s Blue Butterfly, the program is currently delivering approximately 400 bags of food each week to students.

Each bag typically contains enough food to sustain a child over the weekend, addressing a critical need identified by educators and community partners. The program operates through donations and volunteer support, with an emphasis on maintaining dignity and consistency for the children it serves.

Wilkins’ approach has centered on collaboration with schools and community organizations, ensuring that resources reach those most in need without creating barriers for families. As the Manatee County effort continues to grow, organizers are working to expand partnerships and increase capacity to reach additional schools and students.

The early success of Kind Mouse in Manatee reflects both the scale of need and the community’s willingness to respond. With hundreds of bags already distributed weekly and a proven model established in neighboring counties, the organization is positioning itself to become a key resource in addressing childhood hunger locally.