TAMPA, Fla. — Food assistance organizations in the Tampa Bay area report that demand for services is rising as families face higher costs for groceries, gas and housing.
Feeding Tampa Bay officials said the organization has seen an at least 25% increase in the need for help over the last two years. Metropolitan Ministries also said demand remains high, including a 15% increase in seniors seeking assistance over the past year.
At Feeding Tampa Bay’s grocery store, more people are coming in for help, including Kiara Irvin, a mother of two who said she has worked the same job for 15 years and is facing financial challenges.
“I’m actually shopping for the first time at the Feeding Tampa Bay market,” she said.
Irvin said current food prices have made it harder to provide for her family.
“It’s hard to purchase anything,” she said. “Prices of eggs went up, milk, is just a lot.”
Feeding Tampa Bay President and CEO Thomas Mantz said the increase in demand is likely tied to food and gas prices, inflation and stagnant wages.
“We have more people in our care today than we had during COVID, and we thought COVID was an event,” Mantz said. “Today, it’s no longer an event. It’s reality for many people in our community.”
Mantz said Feeding Tampa Bay continues to need donations and volunteers. The nonprofit is also planning to expand the hours of operation at its grocery store and restaurant to serve more people.
“Part of the reason why we think about longer hours is we want to make sure that we’re available when people get off work so they can come get resources,” Mantz said.
Metropolitan Ministries said summer months are typically slower for donations, but demand for assistance remains high. A spokesperson said the organization believes rising costs for housing, gas and groceries are contributing to the increase.
Irvin said she is grateful for the help Feeding Tampa Bay provides.
“Thank you, Feeding Tampa Bay,” Irvin said.