Metropolitan Ministries Sounding the Alarm: Donations Needed Desperately
The rising cost of living, hurricane recovery, and now a government shutdown…these are all impacting families in Tampa Bay who are now struggling to buy basic necessities like food. And many of these families are experiencing food insecurity for the first time, according to Metropolitan Ministries.
The non-profit organization that serves the Tampa Bay region says it is now helping double the number of families it typically serves, and it could get worse if SNAP benefits are paused in November and federal workers go without paychecks. Metro says the need for assistance could reach 4,000 more families a month, quadrupling demand.
The timing is also concerning, as Metro gears up to serve 30,000 families this holiday season. They worry they could be facing a critical food shortage.
But there is something your family can do to help, if you are able, whether it's through food or monetary donations, or even by donating your time to volunteer.
How Your Family Can Help Support Metropolitan Ministries:
- Organize food drives in neighborhoods, schools, churches, and workplaces
- Make a financial donation to support expanded services – donations are being matched by an anonymous donor (up to $100,000)
- Volunteer your time to help
Dr. Sarah Combs, President and CEO, shares, “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. Every donation directly helps those struggling right here in Tampa Bay—supporting kids, parents, and seniors who need us most. For 53 years, we’ve stood together, and with the continued partnership of our volunteers and donors, we’ll keep expanding our services to ensure no one faces hunger or hardship alone.”
Metropolitan Ministries is responding to the surge in demand, offering expanded services by launching 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 stand-up 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.
Learn more at metromin.org.