Strikes of Kindness: Benchmark International Supports Feeding Tampa Bay

For many families, putting food on the table isn’t always easy. Rising grocery costs, unexpected expenses, and financial hardships can make it difficult to afford basic necessities. Across Tampa Bay, nearly 689,000 people face food insecurity, showing the need for organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay.

On October 22, 2026, Benchmark International employees volunteered with Feeding Tampa Bay through Strikes of Kindness, an initiative in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team spent the morning helping provide food and resources to individuals and families.

The volunteer event took place at The Market, located at Tampa Bay’s Causeway Center. The Market lets individuals and families choose groceries and essential items to fill their kitchens.

Key Highlights

• Addressing food insecurity: Nearly 689,000 people across Tampa Bay face food insecurity.
• Supporting Feeding Tampa Bay: Employees volunteered by assisting shoppers at The Market.
• Serving West Florida: Feeding Tampa Bay serves 10 counties through four community locations and additional food assistance programs.
• Partnering with the Tampa Bay Lightning: Through Strikes of Kindness, Benchmark International and the Lightning awarded $300,000 to 12 local nonprofits, including $25,000 to Feeding Tampa Bay.

Why Is Food Insecurity a Concern in Tampa Bay?

Food insecurity affects people in different circumstances. A parent may struggle to balance grocery bills with housing costs. A senior citizen on a fixed income may have to stretch a monthly budget. For families facing unexpected expenses, access to food assistance can provide relief.

Feeding Tampa Bay addresses these challenges by connecting individuals and families with groceries, meals, and other resources. The organization serves 10 counties across West Florida through four community locations, extending its reach to communities where food assistance is needed.

Explore Benchmark International's Commitment to Social Responsibility

During the volunteer morning, Benchmark International employees worked alongside Feeding Tampa Bay staff to pack groceries and help shoppers.

Behind the statistics are people trying to provide for themselves and their families. Programs like The Market ease that burden by providing access to food while letting shoppers choose what they need.

How Are Benchmark International and the Tampa Bay Lightning Giving Back?

Through Strikes of Kindness, Benchmark International and the Tampa Bay Lightning support nonprofits serving communities throughout the region.

At the start of the 2026-2027 hockey season, the partnership awarded $300,000 in grants to 12 nonprofit organizations. Feeding Tampa Bay was among the recipients, receiving $25,000 to support its work addressing food insecurity.

The visit to Feeding Tampa Bay’s Market gave Benchmark International employees a chance to support that mission firsthand.

How Can Volunteering Make a Difference?

Food insecurity is an ongoing challenge, and organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay rely on community involvement to help meet the need.

For Benchmark International employees, volunteering offered a chance to step outside their daily responsibilities and support the people and organizations working to address hunger.

Benchmark International thanks Feeding Tampa Bay for welcoming the team and for its work serving families throughout the region. Appreciation also goes to the Tampa Bay Lightning for its partnership through Strikes of Kindness and to the employees who volunteered their time.

Benchmark International looks forward to continuing its involvement with Strikes of Kindness and supporting organizations that serve communities throughout Tampa Bay.

To learn more about Feeding Tampa Bay and how to support its mission, visit: https://ftb.org/.

To learn more about Benchmark International’s commitment to social responsibility efforts, visit https://www.benchmarkintl.com/about/social-responsibility/.

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