Over Two Million Meals Distributed in One Year
Hopes to Expand to Meet the Rising Demand

Nativity Food Bank, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger in our community, is proud to announce a significant milestone in providing food to those in need: the distribution of 2 million meals in 2024. This remarkable achievement marks a nearly 50% increase from 2021.

News Conference and Appreciation Event about Nativity Food Bank’s Growth

Speakers include Bishop Gregory Parkes, Julie Ebert, Volunteer Director of Nativity Food Bank, Aurea Rodriguez, a volunteer with Nativity Food Bank for 17 years (bilingual), and Deacon Ed Anctil, who distributes food from Nativity Food Bank to the community.

Date: Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
Location: Nativity Food Bank, 3110 San Diego Lane, Dover

This News Conference and Appreciation Event is to recognize two million meals have been distributed to hungry families, children, the elderly, the homeless, the disabled, and other vulnerable individuals in need in 2024. During this event, speakers will share how the Food Bank has increased its capacity to meet demand, and there will be an opportunity to meet clients and partners and learn how people and organizations can get involved.

Additional Information

The food bank’s success is attributed to several key initiatives, including

• A new and larger warehouse that opened in 2022.
• Expanded partnerships with local businesses.
• Increased community outreach.
• Enhanced logistical operations.

Nativity Food Bank:

• Provides food and other essential items to 80 different food pantries, ministries, and other nonprofit organizations throughout Hillsborough County.
• Manages Nativity Food Pantry that served 7,000 families in 2024. 
• Is operated by a volunteer director and volunteers except for one staff member who serves as the warehouse manager.
• Is a program of Nativity Catholic Church, in Brandon.

The food bank encourages community members to get involved by:

• Volunteering
• Donating
• Inviting more food pantries to participate

For more information about Nativity Food Bank, please visit NativityFoodBank.org.

About Nativity Food Bank

Since its opening in 1983, Nativity Food Bank has been dedicated to alleviating hunger in Hillsborough County. This ministry provides nutritious food to families, children, the elderly, the homeless, migrants, recovering addicts, the disabled, and other vulnerable individuals in need through a network of community partners and direct distribution programs. Nativity Food Bank envisions a community where all have access to quality, nutritious food, creating a stronger and healthier Hillsborough County. They give hope to the hungry by providing food and compassionate care guided by the Light of Christ.

Funding for a larger warehouse that was built in 2022 was assisted by Courageously Living the Gospel, an effort led by Bishop Gregory Parkes to have a greater impact on the community by fulfilling the call of Jesus Christ to love one another and to serve those in need.  It is the trust and generosity of faithful donors that has enabled Nativity Food Bank to make a significant impact in the fight against hunger. Nativity extends profound gratitude to all their partners and donors with special recognition going to Feeding Tampa Bay, Publix, Costco, Sprouts, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Walmart, Wawa, Dollar General, St. Stephen Parish and Resurrection Parish, Riverview; St. Timothy Parish, Lutz; St. Francis of Assisi, Parish, Seffner; Mary Help of Christians Parish, Brandon; Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, Wimauma; St. Anne Parish, Ruskin; Prince of Peace Parish, Sun City Center and Catholic Charities.