By Joseph Rivera
When federal food aid stalled during the government shutdown, community members from across Tampa Bay stepped in, organizing food drives and finding creative ways to support neighbors facing food insecurity.
Local volunteers emphasized that every contribution made all the difference in a community suddenly stretched thin.
“It was a beautiful thing to give back to the community during the government shutdown,” volunteer Jay Pagan said. “The families we serve are hard workers who have unfortunately fallen on hard times.”
At Snapback Tampa Bay’s recent food drive in downtown St. Petersburg, volunteers said the need was immediate and overwhelming. The grassroots group, founded just weeks earlier, served roughly 130 people and had trouble keeping up with high demand. Live music played outside as volunteers served meals, inviting anyone who was hungry to take a plate.
The sense of community was palpable, with neighbors exchanging smiles and well-wishes alongside the food.
Pagan said the uplifting energy made the food drive feel different from others he had seen.
“They had to-go containers available so anyone could take hot food with them,” Pagan said. “No one was left out, and although people’s situations were tough, everyone’s spirits were high.”
Snapback Tampa Bay was formed out of necessity when organizers noticed a sharp rise in food insecurity in the area.
Gabrielle Malm, who handles treasury duties for the four-member foundation, said economic inflation paired with the shutdown created challenges that required a fast community response.
“Inflation has definitely impacted the majority of families I come across,” Malm said. “The lines for food are out of control right now and I’m seeing more and more working-class people in the lines because of the outrageous price of food.”
She said the shutdown only added to the instability.
“Knowing that they had the option to distribute SNAP benefits but chose not to is disheartening and furthers the point that the government has corporate interests in mind over the needs of American citizens during this time of food insecurity.”
As new foundations like Snapback Tampa Bay emerged, longstanding service groups extended their outreach as well. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a nonprofit known for blending activism, performance and compassion, launched a new event called “That Ate,” a drag brunch-style food drive hosted with support from the Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa.
Although the group initially faced pushback for their idea of hosting a drag event on church grounds, organizers moved forward after receiving approval from church leaders. Michael Tomas, better known as Novice Sister Kelly Oakey, said the collaboration showed how different communities could work together during a crisis, regardless of background or beliefs.
“It was empowering to be ourselves in front of those community leaders and show them the good things that we’re about,” Tomas said. “At the end of the day, we are community service members, and we’ve
worked on other large-scale projects benefiting so many other communities. Showing up for
people who need support and letting them know that they are still loved. That feels really good.”
Oakey said the event highlighted the unique contributions queer communities can bring to social issues.
“The thing I hope people gain from this story is the unique and creative ways in which queer people come up with solutions to societal problems,” Oakey said. “Sometimes you just have to go do it and make it happen to support the community.”
He said humor helps bridge gaps during stressful times.
“It’s easier to get through life with a sense of humor, and although the issue is important, there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun to brighten people’s day,” Oakey said.
One food expert said these efforts helped fill gaps during a moment of strain. Joseph Dorsey, a University of South Florida professor who studies food systems, said shortages during shutdowns demonstrate how vulnerable many families are, particularly those tottering on the edge of food insecurity.
“It’s profound how the need for assistance rose dramatically. Food banks and pantries were having a really difficult time keeping up with demand,” Dorsey said.
Dorsey said rising costs and supply pressures have made food insecurity more widespread.
“An increasing number of people who have full-time jobs and homes are becoming food insecure,” Dorsey said. “Sometimes, in situations like this, the first thing to be compromised is food, so people tend to buy less food or even decide not to buy any food at all.”
He mentioned that community partnerships play an essential role when government systems fall short.
“What it often comes down to is the local needs, that’s where organizations step in,” Dorsey said. “They fill the gaps between big industrial food complexes and the places that deal with hunger on the ground.”
Although the shutdown has ended, organizers say the need has not. Snapback Tampa Bay plans to host monthly food drives and expand into grocery delivery for residents in Pinellas County.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence say they will continue doing community outreach wherever they are needed. As for volunteers like Pagan, he said he has no plans to stop his efforts anytime soon.
“It truly touched my heart to see everyone enjoying food, conversation and community,” Pagan said. “It
wasn’t just a food drive; it was a reminder that we’re all connected and here to support one another, and I will be of service as long as there are people in need.”
