Feeding Tampa Bay and our Disaster Readiness team are FEMA trained and prepared to handle disaster situations. In partnership with the Tampa Bay area Emergency Operations Centers, we work directly with local emergency management operations to provide food, water, and hygiene items during crisis situations. When unplanned events affect our area, the need for resources across our community rises. By working together to fund, collect, and deploy emergency supplies, we can help re-stabilize families impacted by natural disaster. Learn more about Feeding Tampa Bay's Disaster Readiness here.
If you are willing and able to volunteer or donate in times of crisis, please do so below.
Join our Emergency Response Volunteer Team below to receive email and text notifications at our greatest times of need. Shifts where we need extra support will be added to this page in times of recovery. To join the Emergency Response Team you must first create a volunteer account and be logged in, and then revist this page to see a check box below to indicate your interest.
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We know that our neighbors who are already grappling with providing food on a daily basis, may not have the resources to stand ready in the face of this approaching storm. With your support, Feeding Tampa Bay's team is ready to answer the call from individuals and families impacted by any disaster or emergency situation, so that regardless of what approaches, help is here. Click here to donate now: give now.
Where are disaster response efforts going to take place?
This will be dependent on where disaster strikes. Feeding Tampa Bay serves 10 counties, and has sister food banks across the state of Florida. Our response will be positioned appropriately for where there is the greatest need.
What are the most common disaster response efforts Feeding Tampa Bay does?
Much of our response will include positioning “mobile pantries” throughout the most affected areas (volunteers 13+ years old). Volunteers hand out MREs, water, and home supplies during the days following a storm, and then shelf stable foods and fresh produce to replenish lost supplies as power and stability are restored. These are outdoor offsite opportunities. Other opportunities may include packing of disaster-kits in the Warehouse (all ages welcome) and prepping meals in the Causeway Kitchen (16+ years old).
Where can I find updated shifts?
Our website will always house the most up to date information about when and where shifts are taking place. During disaster response we usually have a 24 hour notice before pantries/support shifts are needed, meaning we may not know a schedule for a week out, but day by day we will be adding response efforts to participate in. Check this page regularly to get the most up to date information.
I have been affected by the disaster and cannot attend a shift I scheduled, how do I cancel?
You can cancel your shifts as per usual on the My Account page, next to the shift you need to cancel, hit “Remove Me”. We’re sorry to hear you’ve been affected, and can find support here.
Can kids participate in disaster response efforts?
This depends on the volunteer opportunity. For mobile pantries aka food distributions, kids must be at least 13 years old and accompanied by an adult to serve. Kids 16+ years old may volunteer independently. In the warehouse however, all ages are welcome with appropriate adult supervision.
Can teams participate in disaster response efforts?
Yes! Thank you for offering your time as a group or team. For groups of 10 or less, you can sign up directly via the website, choosing the “Signing up myself and Guests” option when prompted. For groups of more than 10, please reach out to volunteer@feedingtampabay.org to get scheduled.
What is the fastest way to get in touch with a Volunteer Services team member during disaster response?
Please email us at volunteer@feedingtampabay.org or call us at (813) 254-1190 ext. 356. Our team will be extremely busy during response times and will get back to you as soon as possible.
