TAMPA, Fla. – With the federal government shutdown ongoing, Metropolitan Ministries is sounding the alarm that the number of people in need is rising.

Families who previously were able to get by are now experiencing food insecurity for the first time, according to the agency.  

What You Need To Know

Metropolitan Ministries is sounding the alarm that the number of people in need is rising

Families who previously were able to get by are now experiencing food insecurity for the first time

MORE INFORMATION: Metropolitan Ministries

The organization is now serving double the number of households per month in its food markets.

In response to the expanding needs of seniors, working and homeless families, and now government workers in need of assistance, Metropolitan Ministries has launched the following six key initiatives for the community to access as needed: 

Expanded outreach and prevention programs by doubling access for government workers to pantry food boxes.
Increased the number of community meal sites to 54 locations throughout Tampa Bay where hot meals are available—a 13% increase in hot meals, with over 57,000 hot meals served in September alone.
Through partnership with TECO and an additional $500,000 in board-approved reserves, utility and rent assistance programs are being expanded.
Within the past year, emergency shelter beds in Pasco and Pinellas have been expanded to keep children safe and families from sleeping in their cars—a 30% increase in family shelter units.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, the number of holiday tent sites has expanded to four standup tents and four additional pop-up sites to help 30,000 families. Over 49% of the Thanksgiving assistance slots are already filled, a strong indicator of need.
Metro’s Counseling and Resiliency Center is offering six free counseling sessions to federal workers as they navigate difficult circumstances

“As someone who cares deeply about the well-being of children, families, and seniors in our community, I know that Metropolitan Ministries is only able to make a real difference because of the compassion and generosity of our neighbors,” said Dr. Sarah Combs, President/CEO of Metropolitan Ministries. “Every donation directly helps those struggling right here in Tampa Bay—supporting kids, parents, and seniors who need us most.”

Met Ministries list several root causes of the increase in need.

The rising cost of living—food, housing, and utilities now account for 60% of a household budget; affordability pressures; and elongated economic instability from the pandemic and recent hurricanes.

Additionally, if SNAP benefits are paused in November and federal workers go without paychecks, Metro anticipates an even greater surge in demand to as many as 4,000 families a month seeking help with food, quadrupling demand.

“Every donation directly helps those struggling right here in Tampa Bay,” said Combs. “Supporting kids, parents, and seniors who need us most.”