Grand Challenge food drive extended through the end of summer

While the 2014 Grand Challenge to white out hunger has collected 11,000 pounds of food and $12,000 in donations so far, more contributions are needed.

County officials will expand the program, which benefits the Food Bank of Manatee, throughout the summer, in hopes of battling summer hunger for in-need families.

The challenge was held earlier this year than in previous, because of the growing demand to feed students during the summer, when reduced and free school meals are unavailable.

The county's food pantries, which feed local families, still need non-perishable items, such as pasta and rice.

For more information on the Food Bank of Manatee and the 2014 Giving Challenge, visit foodbankofmanatee.org.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].