‘Mega Pantry’ program launches in Bradenton. You can find free food there every Tuesday
Struggling families will have another reliable place to find food throughout the month of June thanks to a new “mega pantry” in Bradenton.
Feeding Tampa Bay and United Way Suncoast teamed up Tuesday afternoon to host the first of several large drive-thru food bank events at State College of Florida’s Bradenton campus, 5840 26th St. W. Organizers say they brought enough food to feed 1,000 families and will increase the number of meals as the drive — set to take place every Tuesday afternoon — increases in popularity.
“The impact of COVID-19 has been significant,” said Thomas Mantz, president and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay. “The idea today is to get a family of two or three through three or four days and take some pressure off the family budget.”
Hundreds of cars filled SCF’s parking lot as volunteers ushered drivers forward for contactless meal drop-offs in the trunks of cars. Mantz explained that anyone is eligible for boxes of food with no questions asked, as long as they bring a car to the drive-thru.
“As long as it’s needed, we’ll still be doing this in Manatee County,” said Mantz, who noted that the mega pantry may eventually relocate if SCF needs access to the parking lot.
County Commissioner Carol Whitmore attended the drive-thru, helping volunteers set up Tuesday afternoon. Food banks are proof of a strong community, she said.
“Our unemployment is up in Manatee County. This is a great thing,” Whitmore explained. “This is what brings out the best in people.”
Tim Everitt, a Feeding Tampa Bay volunteer from Indian Shores, said he started volunteering with the organization shortly after he retired and began searching for “something meaningful.” For the past four years, he’s found purpose in connecting families with food and resources.
“It’s fantastic to be able to this. Everyone is so thankful and it puts a smile on everyone’s face,” said Everitt.
Tuesday’s drive-thru offered boxes of fresh produce, canned goods, milk and some snack items. Mantz also encourages those in need to visit his organization’s website and enter their zip code to connect with other local food pantries.
“We want to make sure there’s food on the table,” Mantz said.
Future Mega Pantry events are also planned at the State College of Florida’s Bradenton campus every Tuesday in June from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Future events will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit FeedingTampaBay.org.
