Members of the Junior League of Manatee County are wearing the same black outfit for five straight days starting Monday, Oct. 26, to draw attention to food insecurity across the county.

The group’s Little Black Dress Initiative, running Oct. 26-30, pairs the visual statement with a fundraising push for Feed The Need, the league’s food collection program launched this year. A community social open to the public is scheduled Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Delany’s Public House on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, Pulse of Manatee reported.

Members wear one black dress or outfit all week, then use the repeated look to start conversations about poverty, hunger and the trade-offs families face when money runs short. Throughout the week, members share stories and information on social media to build awareness.

"What may look like a simple black dress is an opportunity to start a much bigger conversation," Katie Blankenfeld, president of the Junior League of Manatee County, said in a statement.

Blankenfeld said the league wants residents to understand the scope of food insecurity locally and to see how small actions add up.

In Manatee County, 43% of households fall below the ALICE Threshold, according to United Way Suncoast’s 2026 report, as WWSB reported. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The report lists a $100,416 annual survival budget for a family of four with two young children in child care in Manatee County; it is not a budget for every household type.

Money raised through LBDI goes to Feed The Need, which runs monthly food collection drives at area grocery stores. Volunteers gather nonperishable donations for local food pantries serving Manatee County families. The league said it plans to expand the program by adding partnerships and increasing collections.

Thursday's gathering at Delany's Public House will include a 50/50 raffle benefiting the league's community work. Attendees are encouraged to wear a favorite black dress or outfit. Donations can also be made through the league's Facebook fundraiser page.

Upcoming community calendar:

  • Thursday, Oct. 29: Junior League of Manatee County LBDI community social, 5–8 p.m., Delany's Public House, Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Open to the public; 50/50 raffle. Details at manateecounty.jl.org.