Feeding Tampa Bay

Who Can Visit?

Feeding Tampa Bay is a food bank that serves nearly 1 million people across Tampa Bay. They hold community food distribution events at various sites throughout the region, including drive-thru and on-site events. Appointments are often required for these events, and slots can fill up quickly. Some locations also allow walk-ins when appointments are available. If you need food assistance, check their website at feedingtampabay.org for upcoming events near you.

They also offer a Publix Community Market at the main facility where neighbors can shop for free groceries, including fresh produce, meat, refrigerated items, and bread, sponsored by Winn-Dixie, on Mondays from 1-3 PM and 4-7 PM.

How to Register?

To make an appointment for food distribution events, you can sign up online. You'll need a phone that can scan a QR code to check in. Walk-ins may be accepted when space allows.

Items Needed for Registration

Some distribution events ask you to bring proof of address, a driver's license or ID, and a Social Security number for each person in your household you're getting food for.

How Often You Can Visit?

At most distribution events, households can receive food once a month.

Good to Know

Food amounts and variety can change each visit depending on what's available. Items can include fresh produce, canned goods, dairy, bread, and sometimes meat. Arrive early since lines can get long. People on foot may be given priority at some events. If you receive items you can't use, consider sharing them with a neighbor.

Food & Essentials

Feeding Tampa Bay distributes a wide variety of food depending on what's donated and in stock. Past distributions have included fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, bread, canned goods, meat, and pantry staples. At the Community Market, neighbors can choose from fresh produce, meat, refrigerated items, and bread free of charge. Some distributions have also included pet food, water, soap, and cleaning supplies, especially during hurricane relief efforts.

How to Pick Up

Distribution events are typically drive-thru style: you drive through and volunteers load food directly into your trunk. At some events, you may go inside to choose items yourself. At the on-site Community Market (Mondays), you're able to shop and select what you need.

Additional Support

Feeding Tampa Bay goes beyond food. They also offer:

• Health and Wellness support, including access to healthcare and mental health resources
• Financial Resources to help with stability
• Job Training through their FreshForce program, which helps neighbors build skills and find work
• SNAP Help to connect families with food benefits
• Classes and Events including nutrition education
• Family Support for families with kids
• Senior Food Pickup every Monday, where seniors can sign up on-site; available Monday through Friday

Ways to Give

There are several ways to support Feeding Tampa Bay:

• Donate money online through their website
• Donate food by bringing non-perishable items to their warehouse (accepted Monday through Friday during business hours)
• Host a food or fund drive through their website
• Buy food in bulk and ship it directly to them. Email them for details and they'll provide a tax receipt if needed.
• Shop their merchandise at ftbstore.org

How to Join the Team?

Volunteering with Feeding Tampa Bay is a great way to give back. Volunteers help at warehouse events (sorting and packing food), community distribution events, the Publix Community Market, and more. You can sign up for volunteer events on their website. A volunteer waiver is good for 12 months, so once you sign up the first time, future signups are easy. Groups, families, and individuals of all ages are welcome.