TAMPA, Fla. — Even though the state has reopened, millions are still having a hard time feeding their families, so Feeding Tampa Bay is ramping up their efforts to help local families.
“The reality is, it will take most families somewhere up to a year plus to rebuild financially,” said FTD CEO Thomas Mantz.
Several smaller food pantries have had to scale back or close because they ran out of food.
“So it’s our responsibility to figure out how to step in to fill those gaps,” he said.
One way of doing that is help from the community like the food donation event held on Sunday.
Bank Of Tampa, Sea Salt Properties and Compass Land & Title worked together to collect hundreds of pounds of food and checks from people in the community.
“I’m glad we are here making a difference,” said Hendrik Bisanz, of Sea Salt Properties. “This a tough time for everyone.”
FTB is adding to the extra services officials put in place because of COVID-19.
For example, Mantz said they are going to expand their mobile grocery stores, increasing the number of prepared meals they serve to the community, and going to continue their Mega Pantries.
Mantz said they plan to add more.
“That’s how we’ve worked to expand our food distribution,” he said. “We’ve also worked to make sure people have access to other benefits and services, like SNAP, because those things really help keep families together.”
For more information on FTB’s services, or if you’d like to donate click this link.
