Federal Government Shutdown Resources

There are community food programs and pantries throughout Pinellas County offering free groceries, meals and other resources to residents in need.

• St. Pete Free Clinic distributes to over 50 food partners within Pinellas County. You can find location information through their interactive map.
• Feeding Tampa Bay has expanded capacity to help furloughed federal employees and residents impacted by delayed SNAP benefits access essential resources, fresh food and community connections.
• HOPE Villages of America distributes food at their Food Distribution Center, located at 700 Druid Road in Clearwater, Monday through Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with extended hours on Thursday until 6:30 p.m.
• Daystar Life Center provides food at their food pantry, located at 1055 28th Street South in St. Petersburg, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m.
• Pinellas County Schools provide free breakfast for all students and offer food pantries and snack programs at many schools.

• The Family Services Initiative may be able to help families who are pregnant or have a child under the age of 18 with rent/mortgage assistance, groceries, utility bills and more. Call 727-888-HELP (4357).
• The ALPHA House Residential Program offers a safe and educational environment for new moms and their babies as well as baby clothes, formula and diapers.
• Families experiencing issues with the WIC Program should contact the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County at (727) 824-6913.

Area Agency on Aging Pasco-Pinellas offers a wide array of resources for our senior residents and their caregivers including free meals for older adults 60+. You can contact their helpline at 1-800-963-5337 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pinellas County Animal Services provides resources and guidance for pet owners in our community in need of pet food and/or reduced-cost veterinary services.

• 988 Lifeline for Suicide/Crisis Support is available for those in need of suicide or crisis support. When someone calls, texts or chats 988, they’re connected to trained counselors who provide free, confidential support 24 hours a day for people in emotional distress, suicidal crisis or mental health emergencies.
• Care About Me is a confidential line for residents in need of mental health, substance use or addiction support. You can call or text 727-333-CARE (2273) to be connected with a team member who will confidentially assesses your situation, match you with a provider and book you an appointment.

Pinellas County Veterans Services can help you navigate available services and programs. The following locations are open Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call ahead for an appointment.

• Clearwater Office
  2189 Cleveland St., Suite 263
  Clearwater, FL 33765
  Phone: (727) 464-8460 / TDD (727) 464-4388
  
• St. Petersburg Office
  501 First Avenue North, Suite #514
  St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
  Phone: (727) 582-7828

Beware of Loan and Grant Scams

Scammers may pose as financial institutions offering pre-approved loans or grants, using fake emails or phone calls to request your personal or banking information. Never share sensitive data with unsolicited contacts. Instead, reach out to the lender directly through verified channels.

Be Cautious with Charity Solicitations

Fraudulent charities often appear during times of crisis. Before donating, verify the organization through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Check-A-Charity database. Never give out your banking or card information to unverified individuals.

Contact Consumer Protection

For more information on this or to file a complaint, contact Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 or consumer@pinellas.gov.