The School District of Manatee County wrapped up a record-breaking summer feeding program after serving approximately 227,000 meals to children across the community while schools were out for summer break.
The district’s Food and Nutrition Services team worked alongside transportation staff and community partners to bring healthy meals to children at locations throughout Manatee County, including schools, parks, libraries and summer camps.
The summer program was designed to help ensure children continued to have access to nutritious food when school cafeterias were closed. By distributing meals at locations families were already visiting during the summer, the program expanded its reach throughout the community.
The effort went beyond providing meals. Through partnerships with local organizations, participating families were also connected with information about community resources, activities, camps and places where children could continue learning, staying active and having fun throughout the summer.
Manatee County Government was among the organizations partnering with the School District of Manatee County during the summer initiative, helping connect families receiving meals with additional resources and opportunities.
Other community partners supporting the summer feeding effort included The Food Bank of Manatee — Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and Tropicana.
The district credited its Food and Nutrition Services and transportation teams, along with its community partners, for helping make the large-scale distribution possible.
With 227,000 meals served, the 2026 summer feeding program marked a record year for the School District of Manatee County and demonstrated the role partnerships between schools, government agencies, nonprofits and local businesses can play in supporting children and families when school is not in session.
