The Heartbeat of God
Freedom Gathering leads people to Jesus and shows His love by meeting real needs, one plate, one prayer, and one neighborhood at a time.
It started with a boy and his recess money.
For years, Tonia Johnson drove past the homeless along US-41 and kept going. Her grandson did not. He took his recess money to the dollar store, bought a gallon of water and some cups, and started handing out water to anyone who was thirsty.
That was enough to stop her. In 2014, Donny and Tonia Johnson opened up the parking lot of her furniture store, and 30 people came.
Today Freedom Gathering serves 300 to 500 people every week, seven days a week, across Manatee County. Every single person on the team is a volunteer. Nobody is paid.
To share the love of Christ through food, compassion, and consistent outreach to the homeless and hurting in our community, meeting both physical and spiritual needs with the heart of Jesus.
We believe every person is valuable, seen, and loved by God, and we exist to remind them of that truth.
We go where the need is
We don't wait for people to find a building. We load up and go to them.
Faith, Food & Fellowship
One fixed location in Bradenton for preaching, prayer, fellowship and a home-cooked meal. About 300 plates go out every Wednesday. Then we pack up and run the mobile route.
ScheduleFresh Produce
Fresh produce goes out to five trailer parks and to the ministries we partner with, including Loving Hands, The Crossings, Christian Retreat and North River Care.
Our PartnersOutreach Sundays
The third Sunday of every month in Bradenton, and the last Sunday of every month in Arcadia.
CalendarNeighborhood Pop-Ups
Two hour pop-up food distributions in neighborhoods facing food insecurity. Fill the table, fill the neighborhood.
Help OutPrayer & Flowers
We visit nursing homes, assisted living and hospice to pray with residents and bring them fresh flowers.
Go With UsChristmas
A Christmas party in Manatee County for families who might not otherwise have Christmas, and a big Christmas party and gift giveaway in Arcadia.
DatesHundreds go hungry in Manatee County.
Tampa Bay 28 spent a day with Freedom Gathering in July 2026 for their story on hunger in Manatee County, and on the volunteers who show up every week to do something about it.
Read MoreNone of this happens alone
Through Good Neighbors, local restaurants and grocers give us the food that ends up on our tables. Other partners come alongside us to care for the whole person.
Food Partners
Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, Seasons 52, Yard House, IMG Academy and McDonald's, with Whole Foods coming soon. We also shop the Manatee County Food Bank.
Care Partners
Centerstone sets up at our Wednesday outreach every other week with help for mental health, addiction, recovery and crisis. Manatee County Health comes once a month with health services and help getting prescriptions. We also work with the Salvation Army of Bradenton and Manatee County.
Where the Food Goes
Loving Hands Ministries, The Crossings Ministry, the residents of Christian Retreat, Rainbow Trailer Park, Manatee Trailer Park, Two Rivers Mobile Home Park, North River Care, and our Wednesday lunch.