The Mayor’s Feed the Hungry Program (MFTHP) recently announced a new fundraising project to help reinvigorate the organization, which has been struggling with steadily increasing operating costs and diminishing donations over the past few years. The new project will help MFTHP cover expenses and strengthen its ability to serve the growing needs of communities in Sarasota and Manatee counties while simultaneously providing real-world training opportunities for future leaders in philanthropy. The project is made possible with support from The Patterson Foundation in collaboration with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. To help support MFTHP, The Patterson Foundation is sponsoring a student intern from Lilly Family School of Philanthropy who will assist with fundraising efforts over the summer semester and with a variety of other tasks, including the development of a long-term strategy to advance MFTHP. Since 1987, MFTHP has distributed more than 650 tons of food and $4.4 million USD in food assistance to families and individuals in need. Implemented by former Sarasota Mayor Fredd Atkins, the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is endorsed this year by the following mayors and county commission chairs: Anna Maria Mayor; Bradenton Mayor; Bradenton Beach Mayor; Holmes Beach Mayor; Longboat Key Mayor; North Port Mayor; Palmetto Mayor; Sarasota Mayor; Manatee County Commission Chair; and Sarasota County Commission Chair.