Feeding Tampa Bay and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) are continuing their fight against hunger. After a successful first event in July with nearly 200 people attending, the two organizations are teaming up once again to reach families in need (photos attached). More than 135,000 Pinellas County residents struggle with food insecurity. By working together, PSTA and Feeding Tampa Bay share the goal reaching our neighbors and making an impact in their lives.
On Tuesday, December 3rd at 9 a.m., PSTA hosted a Feeding Tampa Bay mobile food pantry at its south staff parking lot, with the goal of sharing food for 250 families. Volunteers from PSTA will help lead the event with the support of the Feeding Tampa Bay team.
What is a Feeding Tampa Bay mobile pantry? A refrigerated truck that delivers shelf stable foods, dairy, meats, prepared meals and fresh produce at no charge to our Tampa Bay neighbors in need. There is no charge, no qualifications or requests made with each attendee encouraged to “shop” for what is best served in their home. The goal is to provide nutritious foods for our neighbors in need with dignity and respect. PSTA and Feeding Tampa Bay’s partnership is the first of its kind, with a focus on public transportation accessibility. At the first mobile food pantry, more than 70% of participants never been to a food pantry before, proving with this forward-thinking project we can help end hunger in Pinellas county.
“At PSTA we continuously strive to make a difference in our community. As a transportation agency, we pride ourselves by getting to know our riders and take them where they need to be. We often hear and see their struggles firsthand and are excited to continue this great partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay to make our passengers and our community a healthier and happier place to live,” PSTA CEO Brad Miller said.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled about continuing our partnership with PSTA in our mission to create a hunger-free Tampa Bay. We know that much of our success depends on support from strong and thoughtful organizations in our community. The first step is giving those in need convenient access to healthy food options, that begins today. Together, we have the opportunity to reach thousands of children, seniors, and families in Pinellas County and place a nutritious meal on their table,” Kelley Sims, Chief Development Officer said.
PSTA promoted this opportunity heavily throughout bus routes and sent riders a text message to let them know about the mobile food pantry event. Pantry shoppers will all receive branded tote bags to carry home food (one per person).
Post the launch event at PSTA, plans have been made for two additional Feeding Tampa Bay mobile food pantries at bus stop locations in 2020.
Information courtesy of Pinellas County Government.