Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay

BACKGROUND: Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay utilizes volunteers aged 55+ to help address critical challenges faced by underserved children, low-income seniors, veterans and disabled adults.

THE NEWS: Supported by a Humana Foundation grant, the organization launched an inaugural veteran wellbeing event at Bahia Apartments in Tampa, Florida. The event targeted veterans who, after experiencing homelessness, now reside in affordable housing through Veterans Affairs benefits. Over the next 12 weeks, a series of six events will provide veterans with fresh produce, healthy meal-prep training, and opportunities for community connection.

WHY IT MATTERS:

• Essential Support: In partnership with Access to Fresh – a Florida nonprofit which increases access to fresh, local food – each veteran received two weeks’ worth of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Empowering Skills: Participants learned to prepare nutritious meals through a cooking lesson where they learned meal preparation and recipes with an air fryer. Each veteran then received a free air fryer for their home to continue developing healthy cooking skills.
• Strengthening Community: The event created meaningful connections among veterans. One participant nicknamed “Sarge” shared, “I haven’t been able to afford food since I moved into my apartment, and I’ve lost 30 pounds. I’m so thankful for the food you delivered. The atmosphere here (is so friendly).” Volunteers also found purpose, as Rosalind, a former Army cook, led the cooking demonstrations, while Janalee, an additional volunteer with expertise in mental health services, offered vital guidance on accessing mental health resources.

WHAT’S NEXT:
This inaugural event kicked off a 12-week wellbeing program that will continue delivering nutritional and mental health resources. With the next session scheduled in the near future, Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay is set to further empower and connect the veteran community.