TAMPA, Fla. — Food assistance organizations in the Tampa Bay area report that demand for services is rising as families face higher costs for groceries, gas and housing.
Feeding Tampa Bay officials said the organization has seen an at least 25% increase in the need for help over the last two years. Metropolitan Ministries also said demand remains high, including a 15% increase in seniors seeking assistance over the past year.
At Feeding Tampa Bay’s grocery store, more people are coming in for help, including Kiara Irvin, a mother of two who said she has worked the same job for 15 years and is facing financial challenges…