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We’ll drink to this: according to research, hot chocolate makes us smarter and faster thinkers. A study finds drinking cocoa is not just a popular choice, but it may also be a “smart” choice as well. A team at the University of Birmingham discovered that people given a cocoa drink containing high levels of flavanols were able to complete cognitive tasks more efficiently than when drinking a non-flavanol drink.
The study examined 18 healthy men between 18 and 40 years old. The participants underwent a standard procedure to challenge the brain’s circulation that involved breathing 5% carbon dioxide – about 100 times the normal concentration found in the air. This produces an effect called hypercapnia. The men were subjected to a non-invasive method which uses light to see changes in the blood oxygenation levels. The researchers tracked how the group responded to the carbon dioxide after drinking flavanols. Each man received these tests twice, before and after having their cocoa.
The study revealed that the participants drinking a flavanol-enriched beverage had the highest levels of blood oxygenation after experiencing hypercapnia. The cognitive exams revealed flavanol-enriched cocoa helped people perform better in mental challenges. The study found improvements in speed and accuracy when flavanol-enriched drinks were consumed over regular cocoa.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. But for a fun note: as for the tiny, little marshmallows that so many of us dump into our hot chocolate, they do not factor into the health benefit.
Source: Socci V, Tempesta D, Desideri G, De Gennaro L, Ferrara M. Enhancing human cognition with cocoa flavonoids. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2017 May 16;4:19.
Can drinking cocoa make you smarter? [Internet]. Birmingham.ac.uk. [cited 21021, Dec 02]. Available from: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2020/11/can-drinking-cocoa-make-you-smarter.aspx
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.
McKenney Home Care is a trusted provider of personalized home care services in Southwest Florida, committed to helping seniors maintain independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. With a highly trained, compassionate team, McKenney Home Care offers a range of services, including companion care, skilled nursing, and specialized support for those with Alzheimers, dementia, or chronic conditions. Their client-centered approach ensures that every care plan is tailored to meet unique needs, from short-term recovery to ongoing care. McKenney Home Care is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of clients and providing peace of mind for families through reliable, high-quality in-home care solutions.McKenney Home Care offers a comprehensive range of in-home services designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Their services include:Personal Care Assistance: Bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene supportCompanion Care: Engaging companionship, socialization, and assistance with daily activitiesSkilled Nursing: Medication management, injections, wound care, and other medical services provided by licensed nursesAlzheimers and Dementia Care: Specialized support for memory care needs with compassionate, trained caregiversChronic Condition Management: Care plans tailored to clients with chronic conditions, including Parkinsons, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseaseHospital-to-Home Transition: Assistance with the transition from hospital to home, including follow-up care and support for recoveryEnd-of-Life and Hospice Support: Compassionate care focused on comfort and quality of lifeRespite Care: Temporary care to provide relief for primary caregiversTransportation and Errands: Safe transport for appointments, errands, and outingsMeal Preparation and Nutrition: Nutritious meal planning, preparation, and feeding assistance as neededLight Housekeeping and Home Safety: Assistance with household tasks to maintain a safe, clean environment
McKenney Home Care is a trusted provider of personalized home care services in Southwest Florida, committed to helping seniors maintain independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. With a highly trained, compassionate team, McKenney Home Care offers a range of services, including companion care, skilled nursing, and specialized support for those with Alzheimers, dementia, or chronic conditions. Their client-centered approach ensures that every care plan is tailored to meet unique needs, from short-term recovery to ongoing care. McKenney Home Care is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of clients and providing peace of mind for families through reliable, high-quality in-home care solutions.McKenney Home Care offers a comprehensive range of in-home services designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Their services include:Personal Care Assistance: Bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene supportCompanion Care: Engaging companionship, socialization, and assistance with daily activitiesSkilled Nursing: Medication management, injections, wound care, and other medical services provided by licensed nursesAlzheimers and Dementia Care: Specialized support for memory care needs with compassionate, trained caregiversChronic Condition Management: Care plans tailored to clients with chronic conditions, including Parkinsons, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseaseHospital-to-Home Transition: Assistance with the transition from hospital to home, including follow-up care and support for recoveryEnd-of-Life and Hospice Support: Compassionate care focused on comfort and quality of lifeRespite Care: Temporary care to provide relief for primary caregiversTransportation and Errands: Safe transport for appointments, errands, and outingsMeal Preparation and Nutrition: Nutritious meal planning, preparation, and feeding assistance as neededLight Housekeeping and Home Safety: Assistance with household tasks to maintain a safe, clean environment
McKenney Home Care is a trusted provider of personalized home care services in Southwest Florida, committed to helping seniors maintain independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. With a highly trained, compassionate team, McKenney Home Care offers a range of services, including companion care, skilled nursing, and specialized support for those with Alzheimers, dementia, or chronic conditions. Their client-centered approach ensures that every care plan is tailored to meet unique needs, from short-term recovery to ongoing care. McKenney Home Care is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of clients and providing peace of mind for families through reliable, high-quality in-home care solutions.McKenney Home Care offers a comprehensive range of in-home services designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Their services include:Personal Care Assistance: Bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene supportCompanion Care: Engaging companionship, socialization, and assistance with daily activitiesSkilled Nursing: Medication management, injections, wound care, and other medical services provided by licensed nursesAlzheimers and Dementia Care: Specialized support for memory care needs with compassionate, trained caregiversChronic Condition Management: Care plans tailored to clients with chronic conditions, including Parkinsons, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseaseHospital-to-Home Transition: Assistance with the transition from hospital to home, including follow-up care and support for recoveryEnd-of-Life and Hospice Support: Compassionate care focused on comfort and quality of lifeRespite Care: Temporary care to provide relief for primary caregiversTransportation and Errands: Safe transport for appointments, errands, and outingsMeal Preparation and Nutrition: Nutritious meal planning, preparation, and feeding assistance as neededLight Housekeeping and Home Safety: Assistance with household tasks to maintain a safe, clean environment