‘Grand Challenge’ organizers asking community to wrap fundraiser in a big way

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Sept. 26, 2013) -- With one more weekend left in September, Grand Challenge organizers are asking Manatee groups to end this month’s fundraiser with a bang.

Local organizations, businesses and neighborhood groups have raised $88,443 and collected thousands of pounds of food as part of this year’s Grand Challenge to restock the shelves at the Food Bank of Manatee. The donations are on pace to meet the entire Mosaic Company Foundation match of $100,000 dollar-for-dollar or pound-for-pound of food raised, and organizers hope that the community will add even more during the last few days.

“So many people do their grocery shopping over the weekend and we hope that when they’re there, they’ll remember this great cause,” said Food Bank Director Cindy Sloan. “The outpouring of support is always overwhelming, though the food is being distributed almost as fast as it is being collected. Fortunately, the funds from this challenge will allow us to purchase items in bulk at inexpensive prices, so we can continue to provide for our neighbors in need. We are blessed to live in a caring community like this one.”

More than more than 90 local groups are participating in the September-long community food and fundraiser to benefit the Food Bank. Nearly 11,000 pounds of food had been collected as of Sept. 18 and final totals will be available in October after all collections have been made. Sloan said October is typically a slow month for donations, a trend that continues until right before Thanksgiving and into the holiday season.

Grand Challenge collection barrels are located at each public library, at the Manatee County Administration and Public Works buildings, at Bradenton City Hall and at business locations throughout town. To find a nearby collection barrel location or to give directly to the Grand Challenge, call (941) 747-FOOD. Food Drive Kits can also be found on the Food Bank’s website. Throughout September a participating group can simply call the Food Bank to retrieve food from full collection barrels.