Benchmark International Hosts Food Drive Supporting Metropolitan Ministries with the Tampa Bay Lightning

Benchmark International recently welcomed members of the Tampa Bay Lightning to its headquarters in Tampa, FL, for a charitable initiative centered on one urgent priority: addressing food insecurity across the Tampa Bay region.

Lightning players Anthony Cirelli and Nick Paul participated in the Food Drive, helping raise visibility and momentum for a coordinated event benefiting Metropolitan Ministries.

While the visit generated excitement, the day’s true focus was on purposeful action. By partnering together, the Food Drive transformed community engagement into measurable support for families in need.

Key Highlights

• Donations supported families experiencing food insecurity
• Benchmark International employees contributed to non-perishable food, hygiene products, and baby essentials
• Initiative benefits Metropolitan Ministries and its critical support programs
  

Supporting Families in Need

Across Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay area, thousands of households lack reliable access to nutritious food and essential hygiene products. Rising living costs and continued economic pressures have increased demand for emergency food assistance.

Metropolitan Ministries currently serves over 32,000 homeless and at-risk men, women, and children. Its programs provide food assistance, emergency shelter, family housing support, and long-term stabilization services designed to help individuals and families regain independence and self-sufficiency.

 

Beyond the collected goods, Benchmark International donated $25,000 to Metropolitan Ministries to further expand food-pantry operations and emergency-meal distribution efforts across Tampa Bay. This contribution builds on Benchmark International’s commitment to community impact and follows its previously announced partnership with Vinik Sports Group, supporting Metropolitan Ministries with a $25,000 donation.

Earlier in November, Benchmark International contributed $50,000 to Feeding Tampa Bay to strengthen large-scale hunger relief efforts throughout the region.

December also marked a partnership with Rise Against Hunger, during which teams helped pack 20,000 meals for families facing food insecurity. Later that month, on December 23^rd_,  Benchmark International supported Metropolitan Ministries’ Holiday Tent, contributing to the organization’s annual holiday outreach that provides Christmas meals, toys, clothing, and essential supplies to thousands of local families.

Explore Benchmark International’s Commitment to Social Responsibility

Food Drive Impact

The donations collected during this event will directly support Metropolitan Ministries’ food pantry operations, daily meal programs, emergency housing services, and long-term stabilization initiatives.

Each contribution represents more than a statistic. It represents nourishment for families facing hardship and a sense of stability during uncertain times.

 

Benchmark International is proud to support organizations that provide essential services to our community, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed to this effort.

To learn more about Metropolitan Ministries and the services it provides, please visit: https://www.metromin.org/our-work/.

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