F

feeding-tampa-bay

lightning_bolt Market Research

Feeding Tampa Bay - Comprehensive Analysis Report



Summary


Feeding Tampa Bay is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to ending hunger in West Central Florida. As a crucial member of the national Feeding America network, the organization operates across a 10-county region, providing food relief and implementing holistic, neighbor-centered support to achieve long-term stability. Its mission extends beyond mere food distribution to building people-focused solutions, recognizing that food alone is insufficient to solve hunger. The organization envisions flourishing communities, today and for generations to come, and a hunger-free Tampa Bay, serving as a vital backbone of hunger relief and connecting individuals to various social service partners.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives


Core Objectives


Feeding Tampa Bay's strategic focus has evolved to encompass a more holistic approach beyond traditional food distribution.
  • Implementing Neighbor-Centered Support: The organization aims to provide comprehensive support systems to address the root causes of hunger and foster long-term stability for individuals and families. This involves dismantling barriers and disrupting systems to create pathways to possibilities and a thriving future.

  • Innovative Food Distribution: Establishing new methods and locations for efficiently distributing healthy and nutritious food is a key objective, ensuring wider reach and accessibility for those in need.

  • Building Social Service Partnerships: Developing new collaborations with social service providers is critical to offer a broader range of support, connecting individuals with essential resources beyond food, such as housing, healthcare assistance, and employment.

  • Job Training Programs: Providing workforce development initiatives like the FRESHforce program is a core objective, equipping individuals with skills for sustainable employment and economic independence.

  • Prevention and Policy Initiatives: A future goal is to allocate a significant portion of resources (50 cents of every dollar) towards prevention and policy initiatives, which include wraparound social services like housing, healthcare, and job training, aimed at permanently resolving food insecurity.


Specialization Areas


Feeding Tampa Bay specializes in comprehensive hunger relief, encompassing large-scale food distribution, innovative program development, and integrated social services. Their unique value proposition lies in their commitment to a "food plus" approach, using food as an entry point to connect individuals with vital resources and promote holistic well-being. This includes operating large-scale facilities like the Causeway Center, providing hot meals through Trinity Cafes, and delivering educational and vocational training.

Target Markets


The primary target market for Feeding Tampa Bay is the food-insecure population across its 10-county service region in West Central Florida. This includes Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, Manatee, Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. The organization particularly focuses on children, families, and individuals facing economic hardship or systemic barriers to food access.

2. Financial Overview


Funding History


In the fiscal year 2024/2025, Feeding Tampa Bay provided products and services valued at over $445 million. Donors contributed over $260 million in food, time, and funds during this period. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the total revenue was $213,538,443, with contributions and grants amounting to $18,616,536. In 2023, the nonprofit distributed 91 million pounds of food, equating to over 87 million meals.

Feeding Tampa Bay undertook a significant capital project, the construction of its new 215,000-square-foot Hunger Relief Center, known as the Causeway Center. This project had a total cost of $63.5 million.
  • Key Investors/Financiers: The project received financing through the Florida Community Loan Fund and the New Markets Tax Credit program. This included a $12 million Federal NMTC Allocation and $9.5 million in Community Development Financing from the Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF). Hillsborough County also contributed $5 million from its federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

  • Fund Utilization: The funds were utilized for the construction of the Causeway Center, which expanded the organization's capacity for food storage, processing, and comprehensive service delivery.

  • Impact on Company Growth: The new facility significantly doubles capacity for food storage and processing, allowing the organization to serve more people more efficiently. Vacating its previous 80,000-square-foot warehouse is projected to save $700,000 annually in rent, contributing to operational efficiency and financial stability.


3. Product Pipeline


Feeding Tampa Bay’s "pipeline development" primarily revolves around its program expansion and service delivery innovations.
  • Causeway Center (Hunger Relief Center):

  • Description: A new 215,000-square-foot facility opened in 2024, designed as a comprehensive hub. It features enhanced dry, cold, and freezer storage, a larger culinary kitchen, food processing areas, and volunteer workspaces.

  • Key Features and Benefits: The center includes a free grocery store, a free restaurant (Trinity Bistro, an offshoot of Trinity Café), classrooms, computer labs, and designated space for community partners to offer co-located social services, such as assistance with housing, healthcare, and job training. It significantly increases operational capacity.

  • Trinity Cafes Expansion:

  • Description: The organization plans to expand its network of Trinity Cafes in the region.

  • Key Features and Benefits: These cafes provide hot meals to those in need and offer job training opportunities, extending beyond direct food relief to skill development.

  • FRESHforce Workforce Development Program:

  • Description: A 10-13 week instruction program focused on vocational training.

  • Development Stage: Ongoing, with over 150 graduates since its inception.

  • Key Features and Benefits: This program equips individuals with skills in high-demand fields such as truck driving, warehouse operations, customer service, and culinary industries, fostering economic self-sufficiency.

  • Nutrition Nudges Program:

  • Description: Offers nutrition education classes.

  • Target Market: Primarily school pantries and the communities they serve.

  • Key Features and Benefits: Aims to improve dietary habits and healthy living among beneficiaries, addressing the nutritional aspect of food insecurity.

  • Food Plus Program:

  • Description: Assists individuals with eligibility and application for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

  • Key Features and Benefits: Connects people to vital government assistance programs, maximizing their access to food resources.

  • School Pantries Initiative:

  • Description: Establishment of on-site food pantries in schools.

  • Development Stage: 81 schools in the service area currently have on-site food pantries.

  • Key Features and Benefits: Directly supports students and their families, distributing over 2.5 million meals to 76,451 households in 2024/2025, ensuring children have access to food even outside of school hours.


4. Technology & Innovation


Technology Stack


Feeding Tampa Bay leverages a robust technological infrastructure to enhance efficiency and impact.
  • Core Platforms: AIS integration with NetSuite is utilized for comprehensive warehouse and logistics management, streamlining operations and inventory control.

  • Data Analytics: The organization emphasizes data-driven decision-making, evidenced by hiring for roles such as Senior Data Analysts. This focus allows for better impact measurement, program optimization, and understanding of community needs.

  • Infrastructure for Operations: The new Causeway Center incorporates sophisticated infrastructure designed for efficient food distribution, cold chain management, and meeting the growing demands of the community.

  • Knowledge and Awareness: There is a commitment to using technology to improve public knowledge and awareness about the complexities of food insecurity, likely through digital platforms and outreach.


5. Leadership & Management


Executive Team


  • Thomas Mantz - President and CEO

  • Professional Background: Thomas Mantz has served as CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay for nearly three years and as Executive Director for over nine years. Under his leadership, the organization has seen significant growth in meals provided and has redefined its mission to address the root causes of hunger through people-focused solutions. He played a pivotal role in the conceptualization and development of the new Causeway Center, drawing insights from visits to numerous food banks.


  • Rhonda Gindlesperger - Chief Operating Officer

  • Professional Background: Rhonda Gindlesperger is a key executive contributing to the operational excellence and strategic direction. She emphasizes that food serves as an entry point for broader services, aligning with the organization's holistic approach.


  • Amy Kern - Chief Financial Officer

  • Professional Background: Amy Kern is responsible for the financial stewardship and fiscal health of Feeding Tampa Bay, ensuring efficient management of contributions and grants.


  • Jayci Peters - Chief Experience Officer

  • Professional Background: Jayci Peters is involved in shaping the overall experience and outreach strategies of the organization. She underscored the 115 million-meal goal as an important and attainable promise to the community, highlighting dedication to ambitious service targets.


  • Lorena Hardwick - Chief External Affairs Officer

  • Professional Background: Lorena Hardwick manages the external affairs for Feeding Tampa Bay, including public relations, government relations, and advocacy. She has actively discussed the broader impacts of federal cuts to agricultural subsidies on food availability.


  • Kim Williams - Chief Health Officer

  • Professional Background: Kim Williams oversees health-related initiatives, ensuring that the organization's programs contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community it serves.



Recent Leadership Changes


The provided information does not detail specific recent leadership changes beyond the established executive team.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators


Hiring Trends and Workforce


As of December 2025, Feeding Tampa Bay has approximately 205 employees. The organization exhibits active hiring patterns, reflecting its growth and expansion of services.
  • Key Roles Being Recruited: Recent job postings (early 2026) show demand for diverse roles, including Coordinator, Culinary Operations; Executive Chef, Nutrition/Production; Director, Finance/Controller; Specialist, Registered Dietitian; Senior Director, Information Technology Innovation; Manager, Warehouse - 2nd Shift; Specialist I, IT (AV and Technology); Lead, Kitchen; Coordinator, Nutrition Education (Contract); Driver, Class B; Coordinator, Nutrition Policy (Contract); Instructor, Warehouse Operations; Coordinator, Development - Grants; and Specialist, Senior Data Analyst. This indicates investment in operational efficiency, nutritional expertise, technology, and strategic development.

  • Company Size and Expansion Metrics: The opening of the 215,000-square-foot Causeway Center, which significantly increases capacity, underscores a major physical and operational expansion. The continuous need for various specialists and management roles suggests ongoing growth in programs and geographic reach.

  • Employee Sentiment and Culture Insights: The company maintains a "Culture Code" emphasizing values such as honoring all, conquering together, being an imaginist, speaking with truth, and staying rooted in its vision to end hunger. Employee reviews indicate a generally favorable interview experience, taking approximately two weeks. While the environment is often described as inclusive, some feedback points to potential disconnects between upper management and warehouse operations regarding the overarching mission, highlighting areas for internal communication enhancement. The organization also offers internships, providing development opportunities in the non-profit sector.


7. Social Media Presence and Engagement


Digital Footprint


Feeding Tampa Bay maintains an active and strategic presence across major social media platforms, utilizing them to extend its mission and engage with the community.
  • Social Media Activity Across Platforms: The organization is active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn. These platforms are used to disseminate updates, share success stories, and promote various initiatives.

  • Brand Messaging and Positioning: Key messaging consistently highlights the organization's belief that food alone will not solve hunger, emphasizing its broader approach of connecting beneficiaries to resources for lasting stability. Content frequently showcases programs like the Causeway Center, Trinity Cafes, and workforce development initiatives.

  • Community Engagement Strategies: Social media serves as a crucial channel for community engagement, featuring calls for volunteers, food donations, and financial support. The content often illustrates the direct impact of these contributions on the community.

  • Thought Leadership Initiatives: The organization engages in advocacy, encouraging followers to use their voice to create change and raise awareness about food insecurity, positioning itself as a thought leader in holistic hunger relief.

  • Notable Campaigns or Content: Posts frequently highlight the evolution of the organization beyond just food distribution, focusing on comprehensive solutions and showcasing the opening and impact of the new Causeway Center and the expansion plans for their programs.

  • Social Media Profiles:






8. Competitive Analysis


Major Competitors


Feeding Tampa Bay operates as a major food distributor and a key member of the national Feeding America network in West Central Florida. Within the broader Feeding Florida network, other food banks share a similar mission of hunger alleviation.
  • Feeding the Gulf Coast: Distributes food to those in need across 30 counties in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. Focuses on direct food distribution and partner agencies.

  • Second Harvest of the Big Bend: Serves the Florida panhandle region, providing food and engaging in various community programs.

  • All Faiths Food Bank: Serves Sarasota and DeSoto counties in Florida, distributing food through partner agencies and mobile pantries.

  • Treasure Coast Food Bank: Serves the Treasure Coast region of Florida, focusing on food distribution and
Browse SuperAGI Directories
agi_contact_icon
People Search
agi_company_icon
Company Search
AGI Platform For Work Accelerate business growth, improve customer experience & dramatically increase productivity with Agentic AI
Digital Workers & Agent native Softwares for GTM Teams
Get the SuperSales Mobile App and Browser Extension
app_store google_play chrome_extension