As we step into March 2023, Florida continues to address the pressing issue of food insecurity that affects over 1 million residents. With a host of resources available, various organizations are stepping up to provide free food pantry services to those in need. From March 2 to March 7, Feeding Tampa Bay and Farm Share are leading the charge with a series of food distribution events across the Sunshine State.

Feeding Tampa Bay, one of the largest food assistance organizations in West Florida, operates a regular delivery schedule throughout the week. This organization serves ten counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco, working diligently to collect food from producers, retailers, and donors. This week alone, they have scheduled a total of 18 mobile food deliveries. Whether you’re in need of fresh produce or pantry staples, there’s a good chance you’ll find a nearby distribution point. For more information, check out the full details here.

Feeding Tampa Bay Delivery Schedule

Here’s a quick look at the Feeding Tampa Bay schedule:

  • March 2 (Monday):
    • POLK | Pilgrims Rest: 1052 N Kettles Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • PASCO | YMCA Trinity: 8411 Photonics Dr, New Port Richey, FL 34655, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
  • March 3 (Tuesday):
    • HARDEE | Cutting Edge Ministries: 3059 Elm St, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
    • POLK | Frostproof Care Center: 23 S Scenic Highway, Frostproof, FL 33843, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • PINELLAS | Bethany Christian Methodist Church: 1325 Springdale St, Clearwater, FL 33755, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
  • March 4 (Wednesday):
    • HILLSBOROUGH | Tampa Underground: 798 E Chelsea St, Tampa, FL 33603, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
    • POLK | House of Refuge: 640 Burns Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
    • POLK | Crystal Lake Elementary: 700 Galvin Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
  • March 5 (Thursday):
    • HIGHLANDS | Hands for Homeless: 106 N Butler Ave, Avon Park, FL 33825, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
    • PINELLAS | Clearwater First Church of Nazarene: 1875 Nursery Rd, Clearwater, FL 33764, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • March 6 (Friday):
    • PASCO | Gulfview Grace Church: 6639 Hammock Rd, Port Richey, FL 34668, 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
    • PINELLAS | Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist: 955 20th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
    • POLK | Mulberry Community Service Center: 306 Southwest 2nd Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
  • March 7 (Saturday):
    • HIGHLANDS | First United Methodist Church of Sebring: 126 South Pine Street, Sebring, FL 33870, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • HILLSBOROUGH | Woodson Elementary (Produce Only Pantry): 8715 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33604, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
    • PINELLAS | Positive Impact: 1770 22nd St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
    • HILLSBOROUGH | Glover School: 5104 Horton Rd, Plant City, FL 33566, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    • HILLSBOROUGH | Blake High School: 1701 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Farm Share Delivery Schedule

In addition to Feeding Tampa Bay, Farm Share is another vital nonprofit organization focused on combating hunger and food waste. They have scheduled ten food pantry events across Central, North, and South Florida. Here’s what their schedule looks like:

  • March 4 (Wednesday):
    • Opa-Locka | Sherbondy Park: 777 Sharazad Blvd, Opa-locka, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Brooksville | You Thrive Hernando: 375 S Broad St, Brooksville, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
  • March 5 (Thursday):
    • Dade City | Pasco Sheriff’s Office: 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd, Dade City, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Miami | Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela: Curtis Park, 1901 NW 24th Ave, Miami, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • March 7 (Saturday):
    • Delray Beach | Change My Community: 710 S Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Miami | MDC Medical Campus: Miami Dade College – Medical Campus, 950 NW 20th St, Miami, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Welaka | Helping Hands Welaka: Welaka Town Police Chief, 400 4th Ave, Welaka, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Gainesville | Women Working With Women: 1001 SE 12th St, Gainesville, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Hialeah | MDC Hialeah Campus: Miami Dade College – Hialeah Campus, 1780 W 49th St, Hialeah, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    • Lauderhill | South Promo: The Lauderhill Aquatic Center @ John E Mullin Park, 2000 NW 55th Ave, Lauderhill, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Using the Interactive Food Assistance Map

Florida has an interactive map that showcases all available food banks throughout the state, making it easier for residents to find the nearest assistance. The map is updated weekly and allows filtering by county, city, or date. In areas like Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, Hardee, Highlands, and Pasco, you’ll find a plethora of food banks ready to help. In Tampa, distributions occur in the metro area and local churches such as Tropicana Field.

While many organizations provide food at no cost, some may require a simple form for public assistance programs. Most distributions include fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, and staple goods. The combination of charity and government assistance like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps bridge the gap for those facing hunger.

As we can see, the community’s efforts are paramount in tackling food insecurity. Advocacy and volunteering are encouraged to ensure that lawmakers prioritize the fight against hunger in Florida.

For more detailed information on food assistance across Florida, including the interactive map