The Firestone Grand Prix, St. Petersburg’s annual motorsports festival, attracts thousands of people. This year’s event, which culminated Sunday, was no exception. 

For auto enthusiasts, it’s a way to watch INDYCAR Series, INDY NXT Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races live. For others, the gathering is an opportunity to receive a much-needed meal. 

Surplus food from the participating teams’ hospitality suites is donated to families and individuals through nonprofit Positive Impact ST. PETE. 

Locally, hunger has only become a larger issue. According to the Pinellas Community Foundation, as many as 36,000 children in the county are food insecure. 

This collaboration began in 2024, said Positive Impact executive director Karen Rae. Terry Blickem, who works with a golf cart partner for the race, proposed the idea and put the team in contact with INDYCAR Ministry – a religious nonprofit dedicated to serving the racing community. 

The organization was able to help Rae and her colleagues form relationships with the teams. 

She added that the food, which consists of products such as fresh meats and produce, is distributed in multiple ways. A majority is given to the homeless population. Additionally, partners collect some of the offerings. 

Most of the items will be provided to individuals today (March 2) and Tuesday. 

The Grand Prix donated food includes fresh meats and produce.

Unprepared food has been frozen, Rae said. This will allow the Positive Impact team to offer some of the leftovers at its grocery distribution events at Tangerine Plaza (1794 22nd Street S.). The Saturday gatherings serve nearly 1,000 families every week. 

“We will be able to provide meals for hundreds of individuals in our community as a result of this partnership,” she explained. “It’s so important for all of us to work together to combat hunger in our city.” 

There is plenty of surplus food, she added, from restaurants, grocers and events that could be used to feed people. Positive Impact has already collaborated with companies like Publix, Sam’s Club, The Fresh Market and Aldi. The Reggae Rise Up festival, scheduled for March 12 – 15, is another partner. 

“I encourage organizations to reach out,” Rae said. ”We will make sure that the items are handled properly and distributed.” 

The Positive Impact team hopes to open neighborhood markets and urban gardens in the future to help decrease food insecurity. Additionally, Rae envisions creating a culinary arts center – which will feature a kitchen and banquet hall.  

To learn more about Positive Impact ST. PETE, visit this link.