Sweetbay Donates $50,000 to Meals on Wheels

Sweetbay Supermarket will announce the donation of $50,000 to Meals on Wheels Tampa on Tuesday, November 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the Meals on Wheels offices at 550 West Hillsborough Avenue.

The donation, which coincides with Thanksgiving, will support Meals on Wheels’ mission of serving meals to elders, and the continued expansion of the non-profit organization in the East Tampa and University areas.  With the additional funds, Meals on Wheels will be able to serve 10,400 meals to elders who can’t afford to purchase meals.  

According to the U.S. Census, approximately 2,000 people in the East Tampa service area live below the poverty line.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

A portion of the Sweetbay Supermarket contribution will also be used to purchase a van with Ferman Motors as joint partners to Meals on Wheels, which will aid in deliveries for many years to come.

“Sweetbay’s donation will make a significant difference in the lives of many homebound and seniors throughout our city,” said Stephen King, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Tampa. “To have such a large retailer support our mission of ‘Nourishing, Enriching and Strengthening’ those we serve is absolutely wonderful, and a great example of what it means to give back to your community.”

With the holidays around the corner, the gift is much needed, said Nicole LeBeau, a Sweetbay spokeswoman.

“As we approach Thanksgiving, Sweetbay gives thanks for organizations like Meals on Wheels that provide daily nourishment to our elders and homebound neighbors,” she said.  “Partnering with Meals on Wheels was a natural fit because of the great work they do, as well as the lasting impact in this area of Tampa where Sweetbay stores serve other members of the community.”