The holidays should be a time of happiness, celebration, and love. But for many dealing with food insecurity, the uncertainty of getting a meal on the table can overshadow holiday cheer.
Hillsborough County's Healthy Living Program, a component of the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan, is here to help by providing nutrition support, free fitness services, and health education for Hillsborough County residents. The program, operated by Hillsborough County Health Care Services, is available at no cost for county residents ages 18 and older.
In an effort to support the community, the Healthy Living Program partners with Feeding Tampa Bay to hold food pantry events every month, with multiple dates in November and December for the holidays. Food packages typically include fresh produce, meats, and staple items, and are available with no income restrictions.
Food distribution events scheduled for December 2025 include:
- Dec. 11, 10-11:30 a.m., Lee Davis Healthy Living Center (3402 N. 22nd St., Tampa, 33605)
- Dec. 12, 4-5:30 p.m., Plant City Healthy Living Center (307 N. Michigan Ave., Plant City, FL 33566)
- Dec. 12, 4-5:30 p.m., SouthShore Healthy Living Center (204 14th Ave. SE, Ruskin, FL 33570)
Additional food resources in Hillsborough County include:
ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization)
With locations in Brandon and Riverview, ECHO offers emergency food and clothing.
United Food Bank of Plant City
Provides food assistance Monday through Friday at 702 E. Alsobrook St., Plant City.
St. Anne Catholic Church Food Pantry
Offers weekly food distribution every Saturday at 106 11th Ave. NE, Ruskin.
In addition to the food pantry events, the Healthy Living program provides a variety of services and activities at four Healthy Living Centers across the county:
- Lee Davis Community Resource Center - 3402 N. 22nd St., Tampa
- Plant City Community Resource Center - 307 N. Michigan Ave., Plant City
- SouthShore Community Resource Center - 14th Ave. SE, Ruskin
- Wimauma Healthy Living Center - 16621 Lagoon Shore Blvd., Wimauma
Each center provides Hillsborough County residents access to exercise rooms, personalized workout plans, group fitness classes, quarterly health screenings, and nutrition consultations provided by an on-staff nutritionist. Monthly nutrition classes are also provided, rotating throughout the four locations.
More information about the Healthy Living Program is available on the Healthy Living Program webpage or by calling (813) 272-5040, opt. 7.