TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Pantry Hosts Taste Of 2008

ADVERTISEMENT

By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 17, 2008

BRANDON - The only prerequisite to enjoying this fundraiser is having good taste, or at least having good taste buds.

The Nativity Outreach Food Pantry and Food Bank will host its Taste of 2008 from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the Nativity Catholic Church Social Hall, 705 E. Brandon Blvd.

The annual event, at which local restaurants offer the community samples of their fare, is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the food pantry and food bank. The nonprofit organizations, which serve local families in need and supply other area feeding programs, is especially in need of funds this year due to the flagging economy, said executive director Pat LeJeune.

"We're really seeing an increase in the number of people needing help," LeJeune said. "Last week, we gave out food to 175 families at the food pantry at Nativity Catholic Church. And the organizations that come to the food bank for food tell us they are seeing more people who need help because of job losses. At the same time, there's been some decrease in donations, but so far we've been able to keep up with the demand."

Founded in 1983 by Sister Constance Arsenault as the service project of the Nativity Friendship Club, the Nativity Food Pantry provides food to families in need who live in the Brandon ZIP codes 33510, 33511 and 33594. The pantry is open from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursdays at the church. Last year, the pantry served 11,252 families, up from 6,720 families the year before.

The food bank, at 13295 U.S. 92 E. in Dover, evolved from the food pantry. As the pantry grew, it began to share donated supplies with other food pantries in the area. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon, the pantry serves more than 75 ministries and food pantries.

During 2007, the food bank distributed 3.2 million pounds of food. In addition, it provided almost 3.4 million pounds of pet food to Durant High School for its agricultural programs and several other nonprofits that help animals.

LeJeune said nearly 800 residents attended the Taste of 2007, attracted not only by the chance to sample foods from local restaurant but also by the opportunity to see Elvis tribute artist Peter Alden. He has performed around the world for 12 years with Legends in Concert, a tribute artist show featured in Las Vegas and at Walt Disney World and Cypress Gardens. Alden will return for an encore performance this year.

"We were thrilled to have Peter agree to perform again," LeJeune said. "He brings an entire entourage with him and not only performs Elvis songs but gives a historic narration."

The Taste of 2008 will feature a number of restaurants for the first time this year, including The Clubhouse Sports Bar, The Oaks, Honey-Baked Ham, Arby's, Sally O'Brien's Irish Pub and Grill, Publix Apron's Make-Ahead Meals, Sabor A Mexico, Sweet Expressions Bakery inside Della's Delectables, Taste of India and Keel & Curley Winery.

Also joining the lineup will be Beef O' Brady's, Brocato's Sandwich Shop, Chik-fil-A, Hungry Howie's, O'Brien's Irish Pub and Grill and D.G. Yuengling Brewery of 30th Street.

Tickets are $10 in advance for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12, available at Ave Maria Catholic Gifts, 222 Bryan Road, Brandon, or at the church office. Tickets also will be available at the door for $12. Each ticket is worth a sample from six vendors, a beverage and a chance to win door prizes.

For information, call (813) 293-2825 or (813) 684-2587.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524 or dlwhite@tampa trib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT