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Tampa, FL - Feeding Tampa Bay has launched a new relief program to assist federal employees in the Tampa Bay area affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
The program, beginning Monday, provides federal workers with access to essential resources such as groceries, personal care items, pet food, and financial support.
The organization is also coordinating with local partners to offer additional assistance, including help with utility bills and mental health services.
Federal employees can contact a dedicated hotline at 813-710-9003 to schedule appointments and access the available services.
The Causeway Center, located at 3624 Causeway Boulevard in Tampa, will host these services with specific hours for federal and military employees.
Appointments will be available on Mondays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while regular hours for the public will run Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Partner agency Feeding Pinellas will also provide dedicated hours for federal and military employees on Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Feeding Tampa Bay CEO Thomas Mantz explained that government employees, including TSA agents and baggage handlers, will be without paychecks during the shutdown.
The organization is asking for volunteers and financial contributions to maintain these expanded services for as long as the shutdown continues.
The program is designed to help families navigate the financial challenges caused by the lack of paychecks, ensuring they have access to essential resources until federal employees are back on payroll.