In response, parish communities collect non-perishable food donations to support local outreach efforts. In addition, many take it upon themselves to assist their neighbors through efforts like food pantries, blessing bags for the homeless, and counseling services. Additionally, aid is also available from a variety of Catholic organizations who actively distribute food to those in need across the five counties of the Diocese.

While demand is currently high, many organizations work year-round to tirelessly provide food assistance.

“It’s all about being Christ to others and making sure they are valued,” Steve Scarallo, chairman of the advisory board of Daystar Life Center in Citrus County said in an interview last month. Daystar is one of many organizations providing food assistance to those in need. “We like to look people in the eye. We like to make sure that they feel accepted and welcomed, because we’re all here on the same journey.”

Needing food assistance can feel difficult, and many are reluctant to ask for help – especially when doing so for the first time. Each organization and parish seeks only to help, not judge or condemn. We are all called to help those in need, and these organizations answer that call with joy.

Organizations are available within each of the five counties that make up the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. Some examples of food-assistance partners in our diocese:

• Citrus County: Daystar Life Center in Crystal River
• Hernando County: St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry & Thrift Store, Spring Hill
• Hillsborough County: Nativity Food Bank in Dover
• Pinellas County: St. Vincent de Paul pantries in Clearwater and St. Petersburg

To view a full list and locations of Catholic organizations that provide assistance with food distribution, click here.