In a thoughtful gesture this holiday season, Feeding Tampa Bay is stepping up to address food insecurity by offering a complimentary Christmas Eve lunch to families in need. This generous initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens that often accompany the festive period.

On Christmas Eve, the Causeway Center will serve as a welcoming venue for this charitable event. Attendees can look forward to savoring a warm and hearty meal, including chicken parmesan with a variety of sides. In addition to enjoying a delicious lunch, guests will have the opportunity to take food home, ensuring that their holiday needs are met even after they leave the center.

Feeding Tampa Bay’s CEO, Thomas Mantz, emphasizes the simplicity yet significance of the occasion: “Christmas Eve brunch is all about bringing people together around a table, especially those who might struggle to assemble a festive meal on their own.”

This initiative is part of a larger mission to support families facing heightened expenses and demands during the holidays. While reservations for the meal can be made online at ftb.org/ChristmasEve to aid in planning, they are not mandatory.

“If you happen to forget to reserve a spot, don’t worry—just come and join us,” Mantz reassures. “However, informing our chef team in advance helps us better prepare to serve everyone effectively.”

This marks the first Christmas Eve meal hosted at the Causeway Center. Feeding Tampa Bay previously held a Thanksgiving meal at the site and expects a strong turnout based on that response.

“We had entire families come in, sit down and have a meal together. It’s a reminder that everything good in life happens around the table, the people you’re with and the food that you have,” said Mantz.

Feeding Tampa Bay leaders say the Causeway Center has become a hub for community support, exceeding their original hopes. The nonprofit is also seeking donations and volunteers, particularly during the holiday season.

Visit Feeding Tampa Bay for more information.