Feeding Tampa Bay is Feeding the Food Insecure Throughout Our Community

Published by Dunndeal Gazettes, December 2022
https://dunndealpublications.com/2022/11/feeding-tampa-bay-is-feeding-the-food-insecure-throughout-our-community/

Trinity Café has been serving free, chef prepared meals for anyone in need for 21 years. In January of 2019, Trinity Café merged with Feeding Tampa Bay having no idea what the future had in store and how great the need would become due to the pandemic and now inflation. On November 15th of this year the cafes celebrated serving their 2 millionth meal with dignity and respect. Trinity Café is more than just a place to be served a hot, delicious meal. Each location provides the opportunity for guests to connect through meaningful conversation and often directed to additional services they may need.

Tables are set up warmly in a restaurant-style atmosphere with colorful seasonal centerpieces. As guests arrive, they are greeted with the warm and friendly smile of the maitre’d. They are then directed to an available table to enjoy their served meal at their leisure.

Belinda P. has volunteered at the café in the past. “It was great how the guests formed friendships with each other and some of the volunteers. They probably don’t get many times where they get to sit and eat a meal with other people and have that interaction,” said Belinda.

Volunteers are a key element to keeping the well-organized program running smoothly. Since opening in 2001, over 200,000 volunteers have made service possible and lifted spirits. Tasks include serving guests, hosting tables, greeting guests, pouring drinks, preparing silverware, or cleaning tables. One server and host companion are assigned to each table. For this reason, many volunteers are needed at each meal.

Trinity Café is now serving in three locations: 2801 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602, 2202 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612 and 6330 54th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33709.

With one dollar equaling five meals, monetary donations are greatly appreciated.

One of the greatest gifts we can give is our time to make another person’s day a little better. For more information about volunteering at Trinity Café or donating to support Feeding Tampa Bay’s programs, email volunteer@feedingtampabay.org, call 813-254-1190 extension 270 or visit https://feedingtampabay.org/ways-we-serve/trinity-cafe.

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