New research shows that nearly half of working households across Tampa Bay are struggling financially, even as local food assistance organizations report record levels of aid distributed to the community.

According to data from the Tampa Bay Partnership, 46% of working households in the Tampa Bay region continue to struggle to make ends meet. Feeding Tampa Bay, founded in 1982, distributed 100 million meals last year alone and has provided a total of 1 billion meals since its founding.

Thomas Mantz, president and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay, said the people seeking assistance from the organization are largely employed and financially responsible, but simply do not earn enough to cover their costs. He said his greatest concern is the long-term impact if the imbalance between wages and cost of living continues to widen.

Bemetra Simmons, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership, said the affordability crisis extends well beyond low-income communities, affecting first responders, teachers, firefighters and early education workers. Simmons said she views the data as an opportunity to identify and address gaps rather than a reason for pessimism, comparing it to reviewing game film to find areas for improvement.

Volunteer Pat Hutson described encountering the human impact of the crisis directly, including one senior who had been living in her car before receiving help finding housing. Hutson said the woman had worked her entire life but could not afford the upfront costs of an apartment, including first and last month’s rent.

Local families have also benefited from targeted assistance events. Linda Dye attended a back-to-school event hosted by Feeding Tampa Bay with her 7-year-old daughter, where she received backpacks and school supplies. Dye described the support as significant help for her family.

Volunteers have also stepped forward to meet the rising demand. Helen Furr volunteered at Feeding Tampa Bay for the first time alongside her daughter, saying she wanted her daughter to understand the realities many families face.

Tampa Bay 28 and Achieva Credit Union have partnered with Feeding Tampa Bay on the Pack the Pantries food drive to help stock local school pantries. The organizations are currently accepting donations and volunteer sign-ups.

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