Who Can Visit?
The Metro Market at this Downtown Tampa location serves families who need groceries. You must have the ability to store and cook food at home. If you're living with someone else, you'll need a note from that person confirming food can be stored and cooked at their address.
How to Register?
An assessment and evaluation are required to determine eligibility. You'll need a utility bill, lease agreement, or rental receipt to show your address. If you're staying with someone else, bring a copy of their utility bill, lease, or rental receipt along with a note from them.
Items Needed for Registration
- Utility bill, lease agreement, or rental receipt
- If staying with someone: a note from that person plus a copy of their proof of address
How Often You Can Visit?
You can visit the Metro Market once per month.
Good to Know
Financial assistance for rent, mortgage, and utilities is available on a daily first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts. Not all requests will qualify, and only one application per household is allowed. Proof of financial hardship is required, such as documented loss of employment, furlough, reduction of hours, or an approved unemployment application.
Food & Essentials
The Metro Market stocks fresh produce, breads, meats, pantry staples, and clothing. Reviewers have also mentioned receiving hygiene items, jewelry, and blankets. Hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals are cooked daily and served at partner organizations throughout the area.
How to Pick Up
Visit the Metro Market in person inside the Family Support Center at 2301 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602. The market is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Tuesdays, it's open with extended hours from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Additional Support
Metropolitan Ministries offers a wide range of help beyond food:
- Financial assistance: Rent, mortgage, and utility bill help while funds last (first-come, first-served each morning)
- Clothing: Metro Outfitters clothing closet available
- Emergency shelter: For families at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. Contact intakedocs@metromin.org or call (813) 209-1222
- Parenting classes: Free online and in-person classes for expecting parents and parents of children of all ages
- Counseling: The Counseling & Resiliency Center offers support to adults and children ages 6 and up who may not have access to mental health services. You don't have to be a Metropolitan Ministries client. Call (813) 209-1006 or email counselingreferrals@metromin.org
- Mobile medical clinic: BayCare Kids Mobile Medical Clinic for children 18 and under with Medicaid or no health insurance. Call (813) 615-0589 ext. 233
- Case management: NeighborHOPE and First Hug programs provide personalized support for families working toward stability
- Employment and financial classes: Available through the Family Support Center
- Legal counseling: Available on-site
- GED classes: Available through the Family Support Center
- Child development screenings: Free at-home screenings for children ages 0 to 5
- Holiday assistance: Thanksgiving and Christmas meals served
Ways to Give
- Donate online: Give a one-time or monthly gift at metromin.org
- Donate goods: Drop off food at the Metropolitan Ministries Donations Warehouse, 2101 N. Florida Ave, Tampa 33602. Assisted drop-off hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Donate non-food items: Gently used furniture and household items can be scheduled for pickup by submitting a request online. Email donations@metromin.org or call (813) 209-1060
- Host a drive: Organize a donation drive for your group or company
- Corporate partnerships: Contact them at metromin.org
- Stock, bonds, or mutual funds: Donate securities directly to Metropolitan Ministries
- Donor-Advised Fund (DAF): Contribute through a charitable investment account
- Legacy giving: Leave a lasting gift through estate planning
- Payroll giving: Many employers offer automatic payroll donation programs
- Company matching: Check if your employer will match your donation
How to Join the Team?
Volunteers are welcome individually or as a group. Opportunities include:
- Kitchen: Meal preparation, serving residents, stocking shelves, and kitchen cleanup. Dress code requires long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a sleeved shirt.
- Outreach: Helping clients in the Metro Market, taking Boxes of Hope to cars, and processing client needs
- Bloom Again Thrift Store & Warehouse: Sorting canned goods, clothing, and hygiene donations; serving customers in the thrift store
- Environmental Services: Cleaning and maintaining the campus
- Residential Services: Supporting families staying on-site by stocking supplies and keeping common areas clean
- Seasonal opportunities: The Holiday Tent from October through December can use up to 600 volunteers per day
- Summer Teen Leader Program: High school students can work directly alongside staff
Sign up individually at metromin.org/volunteer or register as a group at forms.office.com.