Feeding Empty Little Tummies in Manatee County

Ensuring No Child Goes Hungry on Weekends

Who We Are

E.F.E.L.T. (Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies) is a dedicated, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to providing weekend meals and snacks to children facing homelessness and food insecurity in Manatee County. Since our inception on January 6, 2011, we’ve partnered with local Elks Lodges and the Manatee County School System to ensure that no child goes hungry during weekends.

Learn more about EFELT

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver nutritious weekend meals to children in need, ensuring that every student in Manatee County has access to food, even when school is not in session. We strive to create a supportive community where no child faces a weekend without a meal.

How We Operate

Each school year, our dedicated school coordinator collaborates with Manatee County schools to identify and reach out to students in need. Our volunteers then pack and distribute food bags every Friday morning or before extended weekends and vacations, ensuring timely and reliable support for families

Food Donation List

We rely on generous donations to provide meals to children. Please consider contributing the following items:

Peanut Butter (small jars)
Cans of Beans (15 oz.) – Kidney beans, Pork & Beans
Cans/Pouches of Meat – Chicken, Tuna, Salmon, Vienna Sausages
Cans of Vegetables (15 oz.)
Soups and Chili (15 oz. cans or individual containers)
Macaroni & Cheese (boxed meals)
Canned Pasta (15 oz. or individual servings)
Cheese & Cracker Snack Packs
Breakfast Bars/Granola Bars
Ramen Noodles
Apple Sauce Cups
Fruit Cocktail/Peaches/Pears (15 oz. & cups)
Pudding Cups
Juice Boxes
Raisins (small boxes)
Dry Cereals (single-serving boxes)
Oatmeal (single-serving packets)
Powdered Milk (boxes with individual packets)

Please: No glass containers.

View Full Donation List

Make a Difference Today

Your generous donations help us provide essential meals to children in need. Here’s how your support can make a difference:

$72 – Provides one child with 1 month of weekend meals
$216 – Provides one child with 3 months of weekend meals
$432 – Provides one child with 6 months of weekend meals
$612 – Provides one child with meals for the entire school year

How to Donate:
Make checks payable to E.F.E.L.T. and mail to:

2511 75th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209
4602 Lena Road, Bradenton, FL 34211

Donate Now

Join Our Mission

Become a part of our dedicated volunteer team and help us fight childhood hunger. Whether you’re interested in packing meals, organizing food drives, or assisting with logistics, your time and effort can make a significant impact