Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger will launch a new Meals on Wheels program for kids in St. Petersburg, Meals On Wheels for Kids, in partnership with Pinellas County Food and Nutrition, Daystar Life Center, and Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County on Monday, March 23, 2020. This is the first program of its kind.
Meals On Wheels 4 Kids (MOW4Kids) was developed in response to COVID-19 school closures, to serve children, 18 years or younger, with a meal pack delivered to their home, by a volunteer, every Monday. MOW4Kids delivers to: 1) kids, ages 18 and under; 2) kids that can eat solid food. MOW4Kids is an alternative option for kids that are not able to access any of the school meal distribution sites throughout the county; and/or 2) kids that have difficulty accessing open food pantries. The program utilizes volunteers to deliver meals to the following St. Petersburg zip codes: 33701, 33705, 33707, 33711, 33712, and 33713. Recipients must be home to receive their food every Monday between 10:00am-2:00pm. Volunteers pick up meals and a route sheet with directions from Daystar Life Center (1055 28th St S.) in St. Petersburg.
“We are hoping to provide a much needed service in St. Petersburg to fill the hunger gap in Pinellas county by offering all of our children that are at home, and unable to access an emergency feeding site, a nutritious meal,” said Caitlyn Peacock, Executive Director of Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger. “The network works to build a hunger-free community with access to nutritious food for all. This program will directly address any barriers to accessing food that children and their families in St. Petersburg may have during this difficult time.”
At the core of this Meals on Wheels program is a nutritious 5-day meal pack, that meets the nutritional guidelines for the National School Breakfast & Lunch programs, delivered to the homes of children and their families in St. Petersburg. The program will also be able to provide groceries as resources allow. Children may experience an increase in overall nutrition, health, and food security. Eligible recipients may also report decreased feelings of loneliness and increased feelings of safety from volunteers stopping by.
If you or anyone you know could benefit from this program, please call Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger at (813) 344-5837 or submit an application at www.NetworktoEndHunger.org/MOW4Kids. If eligible, meal delivery service can begin on the following Monday, while school is closed.
Looking for a unique volunteer opportunity? MOW4Kids is in need of volunteers to help deliver meals on Mondays in St. Petersburg. Please complete a volunteer application by visiting https://networktoendhunger.org/mow4kids/volunteer/.
The Network is currently accepting donations at www.networktoendhunger.org/donate to help pay for cost of meals ($3/meal). A donation of just $15 will provide a week of Meals On Wheels for Kids deliveries to children in need.
About Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger:
Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger is committed to ending hunger in Tampa Bay by bringing people together to find solutions that eliminate barriers, increase access and knowledge, and expand the amount of nutritious food available. TBNEH has over 350 members and serves a tri-county area, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. TBNEH is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency and relies on its community for support. www.NetworktoEndHunger.org
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