Founded in 1987, Mayors’ Feed the Hungry began as a targeted Thanksgiving effort to support families in need. What started as a modest food drive quickly expanded its reach to serve those facing food insecurity across both Sarasota and Manatee counties. Today, it remains a community-driven organization committed to alleviating hunger throughout the year.

Crucially, Mayors’ Feed the Hungry is a volunteer-operated initiative. They partner with nonprofit agencies and food pantries throughout the Sarasota and Manatee regions. The core model centers on collecting donations of non-perishable goods and gift cards. These are distributed via partner agencies to families in need. Rather than large, scheduled orders from distributors (like those required by the Association of Florida Food Banks), this setup allows resources to be allocated quickly. The program has distributed over  650 tons of food and more than $4.5 million in gift cards to date. 

Holiday and Year-Round Drives

While its founding focus was the holiday season, Mayors’ Feed the Hungry hosts food drives and fundraisers year-round. In 2024, they distributed over $100,000 in total gift cards, with approximately $ 30,000 at Thanksgiving and $ 70,000 during December. Donors unsure of the organization’s current needs are encouraged to give gift cards rather than physical goods, which offers recipients dignity, choice in selection, and the freshest food available. 

Fiscal Responsibility: Cash Over Commodities

Mayors’ Feed the Hungry welcomes cash donations with enthusiasm. Their volunteer structure and limited physical infrastructure enable nearly every dollar to provide food for someone. Operating without a warehouse or fleet, Mayors’ Feed the Hungry relies on community partnerships to collect, sort, and distribute. This flexible, grassroots framework enables them to pivot quickly and serve the most urgent needs, especially during local emergencies and natural disasters.

Mayors’ Feed the Hungry’s new food insecurity program expands its services to explicitly target individuals experiencing food insecurity through social activities, reaching out to socially isolated individuals, entire families, children, and homeless people. They provide the Sarasota and Manatee communities with services that will impact not only their food insecurity but their social, mental, and physical needs. 

Donate today by texting the word GIVE to (941) 275-2032 or online at mayorsfeedthehungy.org