CLEARWATER, Fla. — As the Tampa Bay area continues to deal with hot temps and high humidity, the Hope Villages of America food bank is putting the word out for some specific donations.
The organization helps nearly 7,000 families each month in Pinellas County. Right now, they need more donations of water and hydrating drinks like Gatorade. Inflation has increased the cost of living across the board and more families need help now than ever before.
The summer is particularly difficult, not just because of the heat. Donations typically go down as regular donors travel during the summer months. President and CEO of Hope Villages, Nick DiCeglie, says there's another big reason families struggle in the summer.
"What's interesting in the summer months is the kids are out of school," DiCeglie said. "A lot of children are used to getting that lunch meal throughout the day at the local schools. When they're home in the summer, they don't have that extra meal."
Qualifying families can go to the food bank once a month and get enough food for 3-4 meals. While that may not seem like much, it can fill a gap and free up money to pay for other important things like electric and water bills, healthcare and medicine.