This week is the first of three opportunities for Pinellas County families to get free groceries at drive-through mobile pantries.
The program, part of a partnership with the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) and the St. Petersburg Free Clinic (SPFC), is designed to address food insecurity and mitigate the financial strain on residents facing high costs of living.
Each distribution event is designed as a drive-through mobile pantry, minimizing contact and maximizing efficiency for serving large numbers of families.
All Pinellas County residents who demonstrate need qualify. While specific requirements may vary based on whether USDA-TEFAP food is distributed, residents are generally advised to bring photo identification and proof of residency (e.g., a utility bill with a current address).
Food will be distributed at the Lealman Exchange, hosted by the Family Center on Deafness, on Oct. 23 from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Outside of scheduled mobile distribution events, Pinellas County residents can access food resources at St. Pete Free Clinic and Feeding Pinellas Empowerment Center.
For updates on mobile food drop-offs and a directory of local food pantries, visit feedingtampabay.org.
CORRECTION: 10/23/25 9:11 p.m. This story has been updated to remove an error about the amount of food available to residents—and to remove mention of events originally planned for the remainder of 2025. A representative from the Family Center on Deafness told CL that November and December drive-thru events likely won’t be possible after the overwhelming response to the Oct. 23 event.
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This article appears in Oct. 16 – 22, 2025.