E.F.E.L.T. (Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies) began delivering food to food deprived children on January 6, 2011 after becoming aware of over a thousand children who were homeless and/or food insecure in the Manatee County School System. E.F.E.L.T. was awarded a $10,000 start-up grant from the Elks National Foundation.
E.F.E.L.T. is an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit community project operated by the Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 and the Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855. To operate, we use grants and monetary donations, purchasing food from The Food Bank of Manatee County and various local grocery outlets. We also collect food donations at both lodges on a weekly basis, and we sponsor several community non-perishable food drives throughout the school year.
Prior to the start of each school year, the E.F.E.L.T. school coordinator contacts Manatee County schools to offer our services. For participating schools, E.F.E.L.T. volunteers pack and deliver food bags for students on Friday mornings or the last day of school before an extended weekend or a vacation.