The Food Bank of Manatee and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is proud to celebrate President & CEO Maribeth Phillips, who has been named the Humanitarian of the Year by the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation and named the 2026 Citizen of the Year by the Lakewood Ranch Rotary.
These prestigious honors recognize Phillips’ longstanding commitment to strengthening the community and improving the lives of individuals and families throughout Manatee County.
As President & CEO, Phillips has been a driving force behind the organization’s mission to nourish, connect, and strengthen the community. Under her leadership, the organization has continued to expand its reach through its programs serving seniors, children, families, and individuals experiencing food insecurity, including Meals on Wheels, The Food Bank of Manatee, Daybreak Adult Day Center, Friendship Dining Centers, and other hunger-relief initiatives.
“Maribeth’s commitment to our community is extraordinary,” said Lisa Barnott, Board Chair of The Food Bank of Manatee and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “She leads with compassion, vision, and an unwavering belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, meaningful connection, and the opportunity to thrive. These honors are a wonderful reflection of the impact she has made throughout Manatee County.”
Phillips’ leadership has also helped strengthen partnerships among nonprofits, businesses, civic organizations, foundations, volunteers, and donors, creating greater collaboration around some of the community’s most pressing needs.
The Lakewood Ranch Rotary’s Citizen of the Year Award recognizes an individual whose service and dedication have made a significant difference in the community. The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year Award honors an individual who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to helping others and advancing the well-being of the community.
For Phillips, the recognition is a reflection of the many people who work alongside her. “I am deeply honored to receive these awards, and I accept them on behalf of the incredible team, volunteers, donors, and community partners who make our work possible every day,” said Phillips. “There is no greater privilege than serving a community that cares so deeply about its neighbors. Together, we are making sure that seniors are not forgotten, children have the nutrition they need to learn and grow, and families have access to food during difficult times.”
Phillips’ recognition comes at a time when the need for the services of The Food Bank of Manatee and Meals on Wheels PLUS continues to grow. Through the generosity and engagement of the community, the organization remains committed to ensuring that no neighbor in Manatee County goes hungry or faces life’s challenges alone.
About The Food Bank of Manatee/Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
While initially founded in 1972, with the purpose of providing nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled residents of Manatee County, Meals on Wheels of Manatee, Inc. became so much more. The organization grew over the years in response to community needs, and the “PLUS” was eventually added to the name as a way of representing the many other services offered. The mission of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is to assist individuals to live independently by providing nutrition and caring, supportive services. Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee offers comprehensive care and essential programs that assist people to live independently. While services include delivering nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled, other essential programs include: The Food Bank of Manatee, Daybreak Adult Day Center, and Friendship Dining. More information is available at http://www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org.
