Food lines growing as SNAP Benefits set to expire Saturday

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — What began as a small community effort ten years ago has grown into a critical lifeline for hundreds of local families.

The Bay Chapel Food Pantry, run out of two shipping containers in the parking lot of First Presbyterian Church of Tampa Bay, is now serving record numbers of people each week.

“Six months ago, we were at 340,” said pantry director Lee Schielka. “Then it started spiking — 400, 395, 421, 495 — and then last Saturday, we hit what the volunteers called a world record: 541.”

The pantry partners with Feeding Tampa Bay and local donors to provide both fresh and canned food to families in need. Photos from recent weekends show the food line stretching out to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, with cars and people waiting for assistance.

Schielka says the demand was already growing before the recent government shutdown, but with SNAP benefits set to run out this Saturday, he expects the crowds to be even larger.

“Feeding Tampa Bay has called and warned me — be prepared, it’s coming,” Schielka said. “We’ll probably do 600-plus this Saturday. They’ve been great about sending extra food. We’re trying to deal with this the best we can. And if this truly does happen, we’re hoping and praying it won’t — but if it does, we’ll open sometime during the week to give some relief to the community and those affected.”

As the need grows, Schielka says there are several ways the community can help — by donating food, money, or time. Volunteers are always needed to help run the food lines and distribute items to families.

For more information on Bay Chapel Food Pantry, or how you can help visit baychapelfoodpantry.org