On May 23rd, 2024, Feeding Tampa Bay inaugurated its new 215,000-square-foot facility, the Causeway Center, in East Tampa. This $60 million center aims to revolutionize the fight against food insecurity and was celebrated with over 500 guests, including Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor. The facility is not just a food distribution hub, it also offers extensive services like job training, educational workshops, and healthcare resources. CEO Thomas Mantz emphasized the center's comprehensive approach to community well-being, featuring a no-cost grocery store and an on-site eatery where meals can be received for free, paid for, or "paid forward."

The Causeway Center includes 90,000 square feet of warehouse space, significantly expanding the organization's capacity. It also hosts numerous partner organizations to provide additional support services. With this new facility, Feeding Tampa Bay aims to increase its meal distribution from 80 million to potentially 150 million meals annually. The project was funded through private donations, city and county support, and tax incentives for building in distressed areas.

The Jaffe Tilchin Foundation is proud to have collaborated with Feeding Tampa Bay for the past several years. We were honored to be part of the grand opening event for the Causeway Center. Our ongoing partnership has helped play a role in supporting Feeding Tampa Bay's mission to combat food insecurity and enhance community well-being across Tampa Bay. We look forward to continuing our work together to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.