Community leaders, donors, volunteers, and local officials gathered Tuesday morning at United Food Bank & Services to celebrate a significant investment in the organization’s mission to fight hunger across Eastern Hillsborough County.
The ribbon-cutting and equipment unveiling revealed a new refrigerated box truck and forklift that will strengthen United Food Bank’s ability to transport, store, and distribute food to thousands of local families.
The additions were made possible through support from Publix Super Markets Charities, The Mosaic Company, Hillsborough County, and community partners who continue to invest in the organization’s work. According to United Food Bank & Services, more than $104,000 in funding support last year helped make the purchase of the truck possible, while Hillsborough County funded the new forklift to improve warehouse operations. The event brought together representatives from donor organizations, local government officials, and community advocates. Speakers included Hillsborough County Commissioner Christine Miller and Plant City City Manager Bill McDaniel, who highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing food insecurity throughout the region.
United Food Bank & Services serves residents throughout Eastern Hillsborough County and distributed the equivalent of more than 3.5 million meals last year. The new refrigerated truck will allow the organization to safely transport larger quantities of fresh produce, dairy products, and other perishable foods, helping ensure that more families receive nutritious food while reducing waste.
The need remains significant. According to information shared during the event, approximately 40,000 people face hunger each day, while millions of children across the country do not consistently have access to enough food. Organizations like United Food Bank work to bridge that gap by providing food assistance and supportive programs designed to help families thrive.
One of those programs is F.E.E.D., which stands for Food, Education, Empowerment, and Development. The program offers a hands-on approach for parents, grandparents, and caregivers of VPK through 10th-grade students.
Participants receive free healthy food each week, nutrition education, cooking demonstrations featuring simple recipes, children’s books, health assessments, and wellness information. The goal is not only to provide food but also to equip families with practical tools that support long-term health and well-being.
Melissa Davis, F.E.E.D. Program Manager, spoke about one of the biggest challenges facing food assistance organizations: the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.
Davis explained that many individuals believe they are not “needy enough” to utilize food assistance services. She emphasized that families should not hesitate to access available resources when they need support.
She also highlighted the efficiency of United Food Bank’s food distribution events. With five lanes of vehicles moving through the distribution process, assistance reaches families quickly. Distributions begin at 10:30 a.m., and Davis noted that she has rarely seen operations continue past noon because of how efficiently volunteers and staff are able to serve residents.
The organization’s work extends beyond food distribution. Through educational programming and community partnerships, United Food Bank strives to address hunger while also promoting healthier lifestyles and greater household stability.
Tuesday’s ribbon cutting served as both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing need that exists within the community. The new truck and forklift represent more than equipment. They are tools that will help United Food Bank reach more families, rescue more food, and strengthen hunger relief efforts for years to come.
For families in Eastern Hillsborough County seeking assistance, United Food Bank & Services hosts regular food distributions and educational programming throughout the year. The next food distribution will take place on Friday, June 26, at 10:30 a.m. at 2402 E. Cherry Street in Plant City.
To receive services, participants must live within the communities served by United Food Bank & Services and provide identification and proof of address. A current Florida driver’s license or Florida state identification card showing an eligible service-area ZIP code is required.
For more information about food distribution schedules, eligibility requirements, or the F.E.E.D. program, visit www.ufbpc.org or follow United Food Bank & Services on Facebook and Instagram at @UnitedFoodBankAndServices.
