WellCare Employees Donate 3,000 Pounds Of Food To Feeding America Tampa Bay

WellCare Health Plans Inc. and Feeding America Tampa Bay, part of the largest domestic hunger relief organization in the country, are working to end hunger in the Tampa Bay area and are encouraging the community to participate by supporting local families during the summer months when many children lose access to school meals. 

“Over the summer, many students do not receive the free or reduced-cost meals that are available during the school year,” said Chris Smith, chairwoman of the board of directors, Feeding America Tampa Bay. “We need the support of community partners like WellCare to make sure that food is available to families in need year round in the Tampa Bay area.” 

As part of its ongoing commitment to support Feeding America’s efforts, WellCare employees have donated approximately 3,000 pounds of food this year.

Through volunteer events scheduled throughout the year at Feeding America’s Tampa warehouse, employees organize and prepare donations for distribution.

At a June Feeding America Mobile Pantry event, employees helped distribute groceries to more than 280 families in East Tampa. The company also donated items to raise money at Feeding America’s annual Fork Fight Gala. 

"Like Feeding America Tampa Bay, WellCare is focused on serving those who need support most,” said Lisa Iglesias, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary. “As a community, we need to work together to address this serious problem and help our families, friends and neighbors live healthier, better lives.” 

Feeding America Tampa Bay provides emergency food for more than 409,000 people annually, including approximately 151,500 children. Over the past 12 months, Feeding America Tampa Bay collected more than 35 million pounds of food for the 10 counties it serves in west central Florida.

However, due to the economic recession and persistent unemployment, the demand for food assistance continues to outpace the supply. 

To schedule a food or fund drive, or learn about donation needs, organizations and individuals can visit www.feedingamericatampabay.org or contact Debbi McCarthy at 813-254-1190, ext. 210 or dmccarthy@feedingamericatampabay.org.