The Food Bank of Manatee hosts emergency drive-thru

BRADENTON, Fla. — As many families are without SNAP benefits for the month of November, local organizations are stepping up to make sure no one goes hungry.

On Tuesday, Republican State Rep. Vern Buchanan toured some of those community efforts firsthand, seeing how they are filling in the gap for families in need.

It began with an emergency drive-thru at Dream Church in Bradenton.

Carolann Drawdy arrived two hours before the food giveaway — but she says it was worth the wait.

“It’s been rough, but we are getting by,” she said.

She’s been receiving SNAP benefits for about four years. Between her and her cousin, they receive almost $300 a month.

“It’s a little difficult. I also take care of an autistic cousin, and he also gets food stamps. So I’m not able to get his breakfast, lunch, or dinners at this moment. We’re just trying to get whatever we can right now to help,” Drawdy said.

She waited in line to receive groceries that will cover 25 meals. She says her food supply at home is running low.

“It’s just hard to get by — having to scrape by for extra food when you don’t even have money sometimes to pay your rent or your water,” Drawdy said.

According to The Food Bank of Manatee, local food pantries in Manatee County have reported an increase of up to 40% in requests for help.

Volunteers with the food bank say they are doing their part to help.

“SNAP benefits need to be approved. The money needs to be released. Not sure when that’s going to happen, and it is just critical that we help our community,” volunteer Liz Kappel said.

Buchanan toured the Food Bank of Manatee today and says he is donating $10,000 to the organization.

“If you can imagine, one in eight Americans count on their SNAP benefits. That needs to get resolved now,” Buchanan said.

While Drawdy is uncertain where some of her next meals will come from, she says she’s still remaining positive.

“I thank my Heavenly Father every day for being here,” she said.

Drawdy tells me she plans on attending more of these events in the future until her SNAP benefits are fully reinstated.