Metropolitan Ministries is turning to the community to help address the critically low inventory at its food warehouse, according to a news release.
The organization is having trouble stocking the food markets in its family support centers, and providing nonperishable food boxes to families who are struggling and counting on the organization for hunger relief.
The Ministries has been attempting to purchase food in bulk, but all its traditional vendors and partners are equally strapped, and are delayed in fulfilling orders, or are unable to do so.
“We have faith that between community donations and food purchases, this setback will be resolved. Until then, we are preparing for the situation to get worse before it gets better,” James Dunbar, associate vice president of outreach and prevention services, said in the release.
Since March 2020, the community has helped to provide 270,000 nonperishable food boxes, 10.9 million meals, and more than $5 million in rent assistance paid directly to landlords to prevent homelessness, the release said.
Metropolitan Ministries recognizes that these are tough times for everyone, but it is asking those who can help to get involved in a grassroots effort to provide nonperishable food donations.
The most needed items are canned meat, peanut butter, boxed cereal, canned vegetables, canned fruit, rice, beans, pasta/sauce, soup, and baby food and formula.
The donation drop-off in Pasco County is on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 13703 17th St., in Dade City, or at 3214 U.S. 19 in Holiday.
In Hillsborough County, drop-offs are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 2101 N. Florida Ave., in Tampa.
Donations also can be made online at MetroMin.org.
Published August 03, 2022
