TAMPA, FLA. — Thanks to Feeding Tampa Bay and Uber Eats, more than 200 senior citizens in Tampa are fully stocked with food.
The organizations have teamed up to deliver more than 900 meals to seniors living in the Ella apartments near Downtown Tampa.
"We're older folks that need assistance in many ways. Food is definitely a way to improve our livelihood," said Juanita Seawright.
She and her neighbors are among the most vulnerable when it comes to COVID-19. Most aren't able to get to the grocery store because going outside is too dangerous for them.
"I'm enjoying the wonderful gift from Feeding Tampa Bay and Uber," said Seawright.
This partnership with Uber Eats is just one of several feeding Tampa Bay has in order to feed thousands dealing with COVID-19.
"We've had so many partners reach out to us asking what can they do to help us," said Matt Spence.
Spence is the chief programs officer at Feeding Tampa Bay. According to him they normally provide food for about 600,000 people in 10 counties. That has doubled since the pandemic. According to Feeding Tampa Bay's website, the need has increased by 400 percent.
"Over 50 percent of the people have never received food relief before," Spence said. "Partnerships like this one with Uber eats are very important."
Feeding Tampa Bay also supplies food for 500 food pantries in the area. Spence said he is confident that they will be able to feed everyone in need for however long this pandemic lasts.
"We're not going anywhere. We will be here for the community," he said. "We will make sure food is available for people who need it."