Category: Announcements

Do more 24 Delaware 2026

Counting Down for Do More 24 Delaware 2026

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We are excited to share that 3B Brae’s Brown Bags is once again participating in Do More 24 Delaware, a statewide day of giving that brings neighbors, nonprofits, and whole communities together to do a little more good in just 24 hours.

As a Delaware-based nonprofit that delivers healthy food and simple essentials to people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, this day means a lot to us. Do More 24 helps small, volunteer-driven groups like 3B stretch every single dollar a little bit further.

When it is happening

Mark your calendars: Do More 24 Delaware runs from 6 p.m. on March 5 through 6 p.m. on March 6.

For those 24 hours, we are asking you to “do more” with us by:

  • Making an online gift to 3B Brae’s Brown Bags through the Do More 24 Delaware platform
  • Sharing our fundraising page with friends, family, coworkers, and classmates
  • Cheering us on as we work toward our goal during the giving day

Here is the 3B Brae’s Brown Bag direct link, you can sign up to get a reminder right on this dashboard.

What Do More 24 Delaware is all about

Do More 24 Delaware's Giving Day will be March 5 through March 6

Do More 24 Delaware is like a big statewide kindness challenge. For one full day, people all over Delaware choose causes they care about and give what they can online.

It is not just about raising money. It is also about:

  • Learning what different nonprofits are doing in our state
  • Seeing how many people care about their neighbors
  • Showing kids and teens that their community is full of helpers

For 3B, this is a special chance to talk about hunger and homelessness in a way that is honest, compassionate, and never judgmental. We know that anyone can struggle, and everyone deserves respect, dignity, and something good to eat.

How your Do More 24 support helps 3B

When you give to 3B during Do More 24 Delaware, you are helping us:

  • Pack and share 3B bags filled with healthy snacks, water, and resource information for people who are hungry or experiencing homelessness
  • Provide simple to-go bags for Code Purple or Code Orange emergency sanctuaries and other local partners
  • Visit schools and youth groups to talk with students about food insecurity, kindness, and community service
  • Put real tools in kids hands so they can be part of the solution, not just hear about the problem

Your gift, no matter the size, turns into a real bag, a real conversation, and a real moment of hope for someone right here in Delaware.

Ways to get involved

Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing more about how you can join in, including:

  • The link to our official Do More 24 Delaware fundraising page
  • Ideas for classrooms, clubs, and families who want to support 3B together
  • Social media graphics and posts you can share to spread the word
  • Fun updates as we get closer to March 5 and 6

If you are a teacher, a student, a parent, or part of a community group that wants to connect Do More 24 with a bag packing project or a service lesson, we would love that. Keep an eye out for ways to team up with us.

Thank you for doing more with us

We know there are many great causes to support during Do More 24 Delaware, and we are truly grateful that you would consider 3B Brae’s Brown Bags as one of them.

Thank you in advance for your support, for believing that kids can lead, and for helping us make sure that more of our neighbors have something good to eat, something helpful in their hands, and a reminder that someone cares.

Stay tuned for more details, and get ready to do more with 3B on March 5 and 6!

Hands passing a box of food

How U.S. Hunger Is Using Data, Storytelling and Technology To Rethink Hunger in America

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A recent Forbes profile of U.S. Hunger shines a light on a national nonprofit that is reimagining how we talk about and respond to hunger in America. Instead of only counting how many meals are given out, they are asking a deeper question: Why are people running out of food in the first place, and what can we learn from their stories to create real, long-term change?

Listening to the people who ask for help

U.S. Hunger operates Full Cart, an online program that allows households to request food assistance and have healthy groceries delivered to their door. Along the way, people are invited to share what is going on in their lives. They can talk about work, income, health, caregiving, school, and the everyday pressures that brought them to this moment.

That information is not treated as a form to get through. It is treated as a conversation. A chance to listen. An opportunity to recognize that every request for food comes from a real person with a real story.

Over time, U.S. Hunger has built a large national dataset that connects numbers with lived experience. In their recent report, “When Making a Living No Longer Covers the Cost of Living,” they describe a growing group they call the “newly vulnerable.” These are families where people are working and often have health insurance, yet they still cannot reliably afford food and are just one missed paycheck away from crisis.

Turning stories into insight, with care

One of the innovations highlighted in the Forbes article is Voices: Unpacked. It is a public platform that shares anonymized stories from people who have requested food support and invites all of us to really see the human reality behind the statistics.

The idea is to pull back the curtain on hunger. To show that food insecurity is often quiet and hidden in plain sight, in every kind of community across the United States.

The stories shared through Voices: Unpacked and other channels lift up dignity and resilience. They show parents, grandparents, caregivers, and people living with chronic illness making impossible choices so their loved ones can eat. The data behind those stories helps identify patterns and root causes. The stories make sure we remember that we are always talking about people, not just charts and graphs.

Where food, health, and privacy meet

Many of the households who reach out to U.S. Hunger report that they have health insurance or serious medical needs. That has led the organization to work more closely with health-focused partners who see food as a key part of whole-person care.

To do that well, they are investing in strong data privacy and security and working to meet healthcare-level standards. That way, sensitive information can be treated with the same care and respect as a medical record.

This kind of bridge between food assistance and health care helps reframe hunger as a social and health issue, not a personal failure. It also opens doors. Doctors, health plans, employers, schools, and community groups can all play a more active role in preventing hunger instead of only responding in emergencies.

Why this matters to us

For organizations like 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, this approach is a powerful reminder. Every snack bag, backpack, or grocery box is part of a larger story. A child who is not distracted by hunger at school. A parent who can breathe a little easier tonight. A person who feels seen and not forgotten.

When we combine compassion, good data, and the honest voices of the people we serve, we can do more than fill stomachs for a day. We can help build a future where no one has to choose between paying bills and eating, and where communities come together so everyone is fed with dignity.

Head Advisory Banner

Helping Our Neighbors Beat the Heat

On By cmanneringIn Announcements1 Comment

When the temperature spikes, it’s not just uncomfortable—it can be life-threatening. Extreme heat puts vulnerable people, especially those experiencing homelessness or without reliable shelter, at serious risk for dehydration, heat stroke, and other dangerous conditions.

At 3B, we’re committed to hunger relief and community care, and that includes looking out for each other when the weather gets intense. Whether you’re out running errands or volunteering, here are a few simple ways you can make a real difference during a heat wave.

1. Hydration is Everything

If you’re able, keep a few extra bottles of water in your car or bag. Electrolyte drinks (like Gatorade or Pedialyte) are even better for replenishing essential nutrients. Offering someone a cold drink on a hot day could truly save their life.

2. Share Heat Relief Essentials

A small care kit can go a long way. Here are some items that are especially helpful during extreme heat:

  • Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
  • Chapstick or lip balm
  • Cooling wipes or instant cooling towels
  • Light snacks that won’t melt (granola bars, trail mix, crackers)
  • Sunglasses, hats, or lightweight clothing
  • Handheld or battery-operated fans (bonus if they’re misting fans!)

Even one or two of these items can offer real relief to someone who’s exposed to the sun all day.

3. Know Where to Send People

Many cities open cooling centers during extreme heat events. Libraries, recreation centers, shelters, and some churches offer air-conditioned spaces where folks can cool off safely. It’s worth taking a moment to look up local options in your area and save them to your phone so you’re ready when someone asks.

Cooling Center Locations:

WILMINGTON
📍 FH Wilmington Empowerment Center (720 N Orange St): 7:00 am – 3:30 pm
📍 Resurrection Center (3301 N Market St): 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

NEWARK
📍 FH Newark Empowerment Center (300 E Main St): 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

MIDDLETOWN
📍 FH Middletown Empowerment Center (44 W. Main St): 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Please take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

Interested in volunteering or donating supplies? Reach out to the Friendship House at volunteer@friendshiphousede.org.

4. Check on Your Neighbors

Don’t forget to check in on people close to home, especially:

  • Older adults
  • People with chronic health conditions
  • Families without air conditioning
  • Neighbors who may live alone

A quick knock or phone call can go a long way.

Kindness Can Be Life-Saving

Extreme weather affects everyone, but it hits hardest for those already struggling. Whether it’s hunger, homelessness, or health challenges, the summer heat makes tough situations even tougher.

If you’re in a position to help, even in small ways, you’re part of the solution. And if you or someone you know is in need, we’re here. [Insert contact info or link to services here.]

Stay safe, stay cool, and thank you for being part of a caring community. 💛

school lunch balanced meal with sandwich, milk, fruit, nuts and carrots

USDA funding cuts to food programs

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We are so incredibly grateful for a successful DoMore24DE campaign, which raised $345! Thank you to all who donated and shared information about our fundraising goals. We know record-breaking numbers were seen across the state, and many nonprofits received a generous outpouring of support.

During a time of political unrest, the support and generosity of individual donors and grassroots initiatives mean more than we could ever explain. With that said, we want to share information we know about the USDA funding cuts that will impact schools, food banks, local farms and more.

What we know about USDA cuts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently cut over $1 billion in funding for two programs: the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program. These programs were designed to help schools and food banks purchase food from local farms and ranchers. The decision to end these programs is part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending, although it has been noted that these programs were expanded under the Biden administration to support local food systems and were established using executive authority. Unfortunately, the current administration has different views.

Impact on Title I Schools

Title I schools, which have high populations of low-income students, will likely face significant challenges due to these funding cuts. These schools rely heavily on federal support to provide essential services, including nutrition programs. The elimination of funding for local food purchases could exacerbate difficulties in providing nutritious meals, as schools may struggle to maintain current food quality and variety without the financial assistance to buy from local suppliers.

Importance of School Meals for Low-Income Students

School meals, including breakfast and lunch, are crucial for the academic success and well-being of low-income students. Research indicates that students who eat breakfast at school perform better academically and have fewer behavioral issues compared to those who skip breakfast5. Similarly, participation in school lunch programs improves academic performance and reduces food insecurity, which is particularly important for students from low-income households.

Benefits of School Meals:

  • Improved Academic Performance: Students who eat breakfast and lunch at school tend to perform better on standardized tests and have better attendance records.
  • Reduced Food Insecurity: School meals help ensure that children receive the nutrition they need, reducing the likelihood of food insecurity and related health issues.
  • Better Dietary Intake: School meals provide essential nutrients and promote healthier eating habits compared to meals brought from home.

The cliffnotes

USDA’s decision to cut funding for local food programs will likely have a detrimental impact on Title I schools, which serve a high proportion of low-income students. These students rely on school meals as a vital source of nutrition, and any reduction in meal quality or availability could have significant consequences for their academic success and overall well-being.

What can we do?

To address the issue of reduced funding for school meal programs and help mitigate its impact, consider the following steps and contacts:

Steps to Take

  1. Contact Your Representatives: Reach out to your local and national representatives in Congress. Express your concerns about the cuts and advocate for continued support for school meal programs. You can find contact information for your representatives on the official U.S. House of Representatives and Senate websites.
  2. Join Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the School Nutrition Association (SNA) are actively advocating against these cuts. Participating in their efforts or supporting similar groups can amplify your voice. The SNA is organizing nationwide advocacy, including letters and calls to Congress.
  3. Engage in Public Awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of school meals through social media, local newspapers, and community events. Highlighting the benefits of these programs can build public support.
A page featuring Christy and Braeden Mannering in the Teen Biz Parent Guide book

The Teen Biz Parent Guide from Target Evolution

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Exciting News for Young Entrepreneurs and Their Parents

A new book has just hit the shelves, and it’s a must-read for parents of aspiring young entrepreneurs! “The Teen Biz Parent Guide,” authored by Crystal Victoria and published by Target Evolution Incorporated, is now available to help parents navigate the exciting world of youth entrepreneurship. This comprehensive guide offers invaluable advice and insights for parents whose children dream big and want to start their own businesses or charities at a young age. It’s a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial skills in our youth.

Featured Success Story: 3B Brae’s Brown Bags Foundation

A page featuring Christy and Braeden Mannering in the Teen Biz Parent Guide book

One of the highlights of this book is the inspiring story of Braeden Mannering and his mother, Christy Mannering, of the 3B Brae’s Brown Bags Foundation. Their journey from a simple idea to a thriving charitable organization is featured as a prime example of what young entrepreneurs can achieve with the right support.

Braeden’s story began when he was just 9 years old, sparked by a visit to the White House and a challenge from First Lady Michelle Obama. Today, 3B Brae’s Brown Bags has distributed thousands of bags filled with healthy snacks, water, and essential information to those in need. This remarkable achievement showcases the potential of young minds when given the opportunity to make a difference.

The Importance of Parental Support

“The Teen Biz Parent Guide” emphasizes parents’ crucial role in fostering their children’s entrepreneurial spirit. Christy’s experience with Braeden demonstrates that providing encouragement and balance is key to helping young entrepreneurs thrive.

The book offers practical advice on how parents can:

  1. Encourage creativity and curiosity in their children
  2. Foster problem-solving skills essential for entrepreneurship
  3. Support without taking over, allowing children to lead and make decisions
  4. Cultivate a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities

Recognizing and Nurturing Big Dreams

Book cover of The Teen Biz Parent Guide from Target Evolution, Inc.

One of the most important takeaways from the book is the significance of recognizing when children want to achieve something big at a young age. It’s about listening to their ideas, no matter how ambitious they may seem, and providing the guidance and resources they need to explore their potential.

Crystal Victoria’s book serves as a roadmap for parents, offering:

  • Strategies to help children develop business acumen
  • Tips for balancing entrepreneurial pursuits with other responsibilities
  • Insights on how to turn setbacks into valuable learning experiences

A Resource for the Future

“The Teen Biz Parent Guide” is more than just a book – it’s an investment in the future. By empowering parents to support their young entrepreneurs, we’re nurturing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and changemakers.

Whether your child dreams of starting a tech company, launching a charitable foundation like Braeden, or exploring any other entrepreneurial venture, this guide provides the tools and knowledge to help them succeed.

So, to all the parents out there with children who have big dreams and entrepreneurial spirits, grab a copy of “The Teen Biz Parent Guide.” It might just be the key to unlocking your child’s potential and setting them on the path to making their mark on the world!

World Mental Health Day and Food Security

Hunger and Mental Health

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As we observe World Mental Health Day, it’s essential to recognize the intricate link between mental health and food security. At 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, we understand that hunger is not just a physical challenge; it profoundly affects emotional well-being.

The Connection Between Hunger and Mental Health

Food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, impacts millions across the globe. The stress and anxiety stemming from uncertainty about where the next meal will come from can lead to feelings of hopelessness, depression, and low self-esteem. Research shows that individuals facing food insecurity are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

This is something we are very familiar with because there was a long period of time when Braeden struggled with food avoidance while dealing with depression during the pandemic. This became a vicious cycle that caused years of pain and heartache for our family. Seeing him become someone else because his body was malnourished was devastating. We know how important it is to have nutritional security.

Access to nutritious food is crucial for overall mental well-being. It not only nourishes the body but also enhances mood and cognitive function. When individuals have their basic needs met, they are better equipped to focus on self-care and pursue their goals.

Supporting Those Affected by Recent Disasters

Today, our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with those impacted by the recent hurricanes in Florida and the southern U.S. The devastation caused by these natural disasters has intensified the struggles many face, making it even more critical for us to come together as a community to support one another.For families already grappling with food insecurity, the aftermath of such events can be overwhelming. The stress of rebuilding lives while also ensuring access to food can exacerbate existing mental health challenges. At 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, we are committed to providing assistance to those in need during these trying times.

How You Can Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with hunger or mental health issues, please reach out for help. Our organization is dedicated to alleviating food insecurity in our community through various programs and partnerships. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s foster a healthier environment where everyone has access to nutritious food and the support they need for their mental well-being.

Join us in our mission to combat hunger and promote mental health awareness today! 💙

Buckhorn Creek Elementary Fourth Graders

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We just can’t wait for this afternoon!

Today we’re excited to share that Braeden will be talking with the fourth graders at Buckhorn Creek Elementary in North Carolina via Zoom. We’ve learned that the students are finishing their school year by working on service projects! We love this!

Braeden can’t wait to tell the students a little bit about how he started Brae’s Brown Bags, but also to hear about the great work they these young changemakers are already doing in their school and throughout their community!

We love working with school and encouraging young people to get involved in service and leadership. There is SO MUCH HOPE for our future!

We’ll let you know how it goes and hope to receive more invites from other youth-based organizations, camps and schools interested in hearing from Brae. If you’re nearby he just might be able to visit in person!

Emergency sanctuary during winter

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach, AnnouncementsLeave a comment

Today is the first official “Code Purple” day that we have been notified of here in Northern Delaware. I’m sure there have been other “code” days of various colors across the country as the temperatures have dropped this winter. When these codes are activated we are available to provide our 3B Brae’s Brown Bags to locations upon their request. During the winter, our bags include healthy snacks, water, a page of resources and handwarmers.

When a Code Purple is called in Delaware, it means there are locations set up to offer emergency sanctuary to our addressless friends. The locations are usually open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. so that patrons can come in for dinner and have a warm place to sleep for the night. Depending on the location in Delaware, there are a variety of places to stay. The best way to find out which location is open on any given night is to call 2-1-1 on your phone or text your zip code to 898211. People in Delaware and Salem County (NJ) can use Delaware 2-1-1 to find information.

If you see someone on the street, please consider calling or texting the number above so you can provide the details of resources to those in need.

Effects of below freezing temps

Exposure to temperatures below freezing can have significant impacts on a person’s health. The human body’s response to cold weather includes cardiovascular stresses as it struggles to retain heat, which can lead to illnesses such as hypothermia. Vulnerable individuals, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly, are more susceptible to adverse effects due to their reduced ability to regulate body temperature.

Cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks, particularly for people with cardiovascular disease, as the body’s natural defense system causes blood vessels near the skin to contract, leading to increased strain on the heart.

Additionally, cold weather can be dangerous for those with respiratory diseases, as it can lead to an increased risk of conditions like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Symptoms of hypothermia

Symptoms of hypothermia can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but some common signs and symptoms, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include:

  • Shivering (in the early stages)
  • Slurred speech
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Stiffness in the arms and legs
  • Bluish or pale skin
  • Weak pulse
  • Slow, shallow breathing

If you suspect someone is experiencing hypothermia, call 911 immediately. If it is safe for you to intervene while waiting for medical help to arrive, move the person to a warm place, remove any wet clothing, and cover them with blankets. If the person is conscious, give them warm fluids to drink.

How can you help?

During the winter, there are several ways to help the homeless and ensure they stay warm and healthy. Some of the most effective ways to provide assistance include:

  1. Donate Warm Clothing and Blankets: Homeless individuals need warm clothing such as coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and thermal socks to protect themselves from the cold.
  2. Create Winter Care Packages: Assembling care packages with essential items like non-perishable food, hygiene products, and warm clothing can make a significant difference in the lives of the homeless.
  3. Offer Warm Food: Providing warm meals can help combat the effects of cold weather, as the body requires more energy to stay warm during the winter.
  4. Donate Old Jackets, Gloves, and Socks: Donating old but still usable winter clothing items can provide much-needed warmth to those without shelter.
  5. Raise Awareness: Increasing awareness about homelessness during the winter can help build empathy and encourage support from the community.
  6. Volunteer: Volunteering at shelters or organizations that support the homeless can have a direct and positive impact on their well-being.
food donation box

Virtual Inaugural Ball

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A friend of ours, Rachael Dubinsky, is hosting a virtual inaugural ball as we celebrate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during their swearing in ceremony. Her event is also an effort to raise funds for community fridges in the Boston Area.

These fridges are stocked with food items by volunteers in a community. Folks in need of noursihment can go to the fridge and take what they need, no questions asked. We love this concept and are thrilled for the opportunity to offer support and be a part of the event. 

It is exciting to share that Braeden will be giving a brief talk at the beginning of this event tomorrow evening. For those of you interested in supporting Boston Area Community Fridges, you can donate to receive a link to this Virtual Inaugural Ball event. 

Click through to the event below for more information.

Spark Change

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This summer we had plans to hold a 3B Summer Celebration. Our initial planning phases began prior to the coronavirus pandemic hitting the globe. And while we are hopeful that things will continue to improve as Delaware reopens in phases, there is still a great deal of information we do not know and cannot predict.

At this time, we are sad to share that we do not have a location at which we can host our celebration. In part, this is due to the number of people our events can potentially bring to one place in a short period of time. It is also understandable that locations for group events will ask organizations to have special event insurance.

Additionally, we’re not comfortable asking for event sponsorship from the local community and companies during this unprecedented time. We would rather your generous donations go to direct assistance of organizations who can immediately help those in need.

Examples of where we encourage you to donate right now are the Food Bank of Delaware, Friendship House, the Sunday Breakfast Mission, the Delaware COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund, and United Way of Delaware.

6fd5270332c5b02687bd8c7f74877d26Now, the theme of our event was going to be “Spark Change.”

We still want you to embrace this theme. We must spark change and it must happen now. For those of you old enough to vote, please make sure you vote locally and nationally. For those of you not old enough to vote, please make sure you encourage the adults in your life to make sure they exercise that right. It is not only our responsibility as adults to vote in elections, but it is our obligation and we must take it seriously. We are seeing millions of people protesting, making their voice and their presence be heard. It’s an inspiring thing to see and we need to see the same numbers at the polls.

Be the spark that ignites the change we need to see in the world. You can do it. You are the ember. You are the light. No one else can do what you can do. And when we stand together, we can pave a path so bright that every dark corner is blinded by our unified strength.

Spark change.

It is overwhelming to see so many who are lost, but if we let our sparks shine then we can help them find the way. Sometimes the lost are scared, they are hurting, but we can dare to help them heal. We do not need to host a community event to make this happen.

We can spark change now. Today. Tomorrow. And beyond.