Hunger Hits Home

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TAMPA BAY NETWORK
TO END HUNGER

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HUNGER HITS HOME

Hunger in the US is more widespread than you would expect. Almost 14 million U.S. households were food insecure at some time during last year, uncertain of where their next meal will come from. In our own state, according to Feeding America, 2.5 million Floridians lack access to a reliable supply of healthy food.

In the Tampa Bay area, TBNEH members serve these counties:

The TBNEH Hunger Gap Map is an interactive map of the tri-county service area (Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco) that shows the meal and hunger gaps in our local community by zip code. The map also provides locations of food pantries and other assistance programs so that those in need can find help.

Tampa Bay Network:

to End Hunger

Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger (TBNEH) was founded in 2011 by leaders of various hunger relief organizations, businesses, and community circles who wanted to work collaboratively to help solve hunger in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. TBNEH 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.

More than 350 members – corporations, non-profits, faith-based organizations, universities, foundations, and individuals – belong to this coalition. Bound by the conviction that addressing hunger is essential, our members share experiences, knowledge, and the workload in tackling hunger in the Tampa Bay area.  We believe that working together, rather than separately, is smarter, more efficient, and more rewarding.  We don’t just identify solutions; we implement them together.

TBNEH programs include:

Hunger Gap Map, which shows food supply and assistance locations in the network’s tri-county area

The Sunshine Summit, an annual gathering to share hunger relief information and opportunities

Waste No Food Tampa Bay, utilizing an app that connects restaurants with local food charities and  composters or farmers.

Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger is a 501 c 3 charity that depends on donations and volunteers to support their mission.        

The real heart and soul of the Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger is its members. We are shining a spotlight on the work of three of our members. If you need help or want to donate or volunteer, contact one of these agencies or view the Hunger Gap Map to identify sources close to you.

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DAYSTAR LIFE CENTER
1055 28th Street S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Phone: 727.825.0442
www.daystarlife.com
Service Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Daystar Life Center was founded in 1982 to provide the necessities of life to our neighbors to alleviate hunger, homelessness, and hopelessness. It has grown into a major nonprofit organization serving all residents of Pinellas County. Most of Daystar’s clients live below the federal poverty level. They are the working poor or unemployed. They may work multiple jobs but still find themselves short at the end of the month. They work at jobs that provide no health insurance, pension, or other benefits. Our clients may be struggling to stay in their homes, in transitional housing, or homeless. We help individuals and families who are food-insecure. We serve children, the elderly, veterans, and folks recently released from incarceration. Clients may be physically or emotionally handicapped or just experiencing a personal emergency.

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SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL
8 locations throughout Hillsborough County
www.svdptampa.org

We are all about serving our neighbors in need, regardless of race or religious affiliation. When difficult situations arise - a lost job, an illness or unexpected expense - the most basic necessities like food, shelter, medicine, clothing, and transportation can become impossible to afford. Each day there are heartbreaking circumstances right here in our own community, but practical, person-to-person care offered in a respectful and loving way can make a world of difference. At St Vincent de Paul, we ease an individual or family's initial emergency, then shepherd them into programs that can bring lasting change. Donations made locally are used and distributed throughout Hillsborough County neighborhoods. For assistance, visit the website and find a location near you.

THE SHEPHERD CENTER
304 South Pinellas Avenue, Tarpon Springs, FL 727.939.1400
Service Hours: Monday &Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 10am – 1:30pm
www.tscenter.org

Tarpon Springs Shepherd Center provides compassion, basic support, and assistance to those in northern Pinellas County who need it most. Founded in 1974, the Shepherd Center has grown into a cornerstone for families and individuals who find themselves in crisis. We focus on families, the elderly, the homeless, and others in need. We feed the hungry, clothe the poor, give hope, empower to seek independence, and provide social support. Our programs reach more than 3,000 clients each year, and include a food pantry, community kitchen, family services, mentoring, job training, and referrals to community partners.

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Renowned chef, Kevin McGinnis has not forgotten his humble beginnings as a single dad, at times relying on food stamps to feed his own children. Chef Kevin believes that, without too much fuss, it is possible make delicious, nutritious meals from simple ingredients. Here are some recipes that will “Wow” your family - made mostly from ingredients typically available at food assistance pantries. We hope that you will give them a try and let us know what kind of reviews come from around your table.

Spam Breakfast Sandwich

Recipe by Chef Kevin

Spam makes a wonderful sandwich. Meaty and addictively tender, there’s no doubt this Spam breakfast sandwich is a great way to start the day!

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of Spam

  • 2 slices of Cheddar cheese

  • 2 tbsp margarine

  • 1 brioche bun or sandwich bread

  • 1/4 yellow onion

  • 1 egg

  • Cooking oil as needed

Directions:

  • Slice the onion and set it aside. Cut a thick slice of Spam.
  • Add two tablespoons of oil to a skillet and caramelize the onion.
  • In the same skillet, sear the Spam. Place the onions on top of the Spam and top with the cheese slices. Turn the heat to Medium Low and melt the cheese.
  • Melt 2 tbsp of margarine in the pan and grill the bread lightly on both sides.
  • Place Spam melt onto the toasted bread
  • Fry an egg over medium and place on top of the Spam melt. Enjoy!

Healthy Tips:

  • Complement your breakfast sandwich with a bright, summery salad. Add citrus fruit for an extra dose of protecting vitamin C!

Tuna Croquettes

Recipe by Chef Kevin

Tuna croquettes are delicious two-biters with the loveliest golden crust and the creamiest sea-scented filling. These croquettes are exquisite straight out of the skillet, and they’re even better the day after!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cup of milk

  • 1 cup instant mashed potatoes

  • Two 5-ounce cans of tuna

  • 1/4 onion

  • 2 cups breadcrumbs

  • Cooking oil for frying

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  • Warm the milk in a pot and cook the mashed potatoes.
  • Chop the onion finely and combine it with the tuna.
  • Mix the tuna with the mashed potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
  • Let the mashed potato and tuna mixture cool until manageable and use two spoons to form croquettes.
  • Coat each croquette with breadcrumbs.
  • Heat oil in a skillet and fry the croquettes until golden on all sides.
  • Serve with a side of vegetables and enjoy!

Healthy Tips:

  • Rest the croquettes over paper towels after frying to remove any excess oil.

Cowboy Beans

Recipe by Chef Kevin

Canned beans can become a wonderful, hearty stew with lots of flavor and nutrition. Combined with veggies and ham, this is a whole comfy meal to keep you and your loved ones satisfied all day.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of whole beans

  • 1 can of assorted vegetables

  • 1 can of ham

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 1/4 onion

  • Cooking oil as needed

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  • Mince the garlic and dice the onion finely.
  • In a pot over medium flame, pour a few tablespoons of cooking oil and sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
  • Drain the vegetables and add them to the pot.
  • Cut the ham into cubes and add to the pot.
  • Add the canned beans and top with chicken stock or water. Bring to a boil.
  • Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
  • Serve with a loaf of bread.

Healthy Tips:

  • Rinse the beans before using to remove excess salt.
  • Use fresh veggies when possible.
  • Substitute your favorite protein for extra nutrition.

HOW TO GET HELP

In 3 Easy Steps

Step

01

Reach Out

Step

02

Ask for help

Step

03

Use the recipes provided

Fighting Hunger Together:

Car Credit Tampa

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TBNEH works alongside many organizations, and is particularly proud of its collaboration with Car Credit, whose efforts make crucial hunger relief information available to all our neighbors in Tampa Bay, both English and Spanish speakers. “We are not motivated by money; we are motivated by people,” says philanthropist Steve Cuculich, owner of Car Credit. In their commitment to helping those in the Spanish speaking community, Car Credit have joined forces with TBNEH to develop a sophisticated communication strategy to reach those who are struggling the most.

Car Credit Tampa continues to find ways to support the Tampa community and will continue to do so. Click here to learn more.

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