Pinellas County Branch Warehouse
Among some of Feeding America Tampa Bay’s most important accomplishments in 2010, was the opening of a 13,750-square foot branch warehouse in Clearwater.
The need for it was apparent, with a growing food insecurity rate that leaves over 145,000 Pinellas County residents hungry sometime during the year. But the opening was also inspired by opportunity, as more and more supermarket chains supported the Food Bank’s mission by donating fresh and perishable products from individual stores in the area with managed programs utilizing the Food Bank’s refrigerated trucks.
The volume of this food along with other local donations made the branch facility feasible, and distribution has grown steadily since operations began in June last year. By its first anniversary date, Feeding America Tampa Bay’s Clearwater Warehouse will have distributed over 2.25 million pounds of food, equivalent to approximately 1.73 million meals.
The convenience of a local warehouse also contributed to 20 new agency partners signing on with Feeding America Tampa Bay in Pinellas County. Getting the food on their side of Tampa Bay saves them lots of time and gas, a critical consideration at a time when many programs are struggling to meet their financial needs.
The numbers of both pounds distributed and agencies recruited are expected to steadily increase throughout 2011. To keep pace, the Food Bank is continuing to improve its branch facility. The latest addition is a 10’ x 14’ walk-in cooler, installed in December.
The staff there remains at only two though, and there is an ongoing need for help from volunteers. If can share your time and talent to feeding the hungry in the Food Bank’s second largest county, please contact Coordinator Sylvia Kapous, 727.258.4940 She would also enjoy hearing from local businesses who wish to donate surplus food.
And finally, Sylvia can help any 501(c)3 charities in Pinellas County that wish to become an agency partner of Feeding America Tampa Bay. She can share with you how our branch warehouse in Clearwater can be an efficient resource for your feeding program (your organization will also have access to the Food Bank’s inventory at the main Tampa hub), and explain our agency application and membership requirements.
Feeding America Tampa Bay's Pinellas Warehouse is located in the Leslie A. Rubin Business Center, 4711 126th Avenue North, Suite H, Clearwater FL 33762-4739
Phone 727.258.4940 / Fax 727.258.4941