Tampa’s Trinity Cafe Closes Busch Boulevard Location, Leaving Vulnerable Residents in Need

Trinity Cafe's Busch Boulevard location, which has been serving free hot meals since 2016, is closing its sit-down meal service due to dwindling attendance and a shift towards drive-thru options. The final meal service was held recently, and the drive-thru will cease on September 20. Volunteers and former employees are expressing deep concern for the vulnerable populations that relied on this location, particularly those without transportation who may struggle to reach alternative meal sites. Feeding Tampa Bay has compiled a list of nearby hot meal alternatives and food pantries, but many worry about the limited frequency and accessibility of these options. Former program director Cindy Campbell Davis highlighted the necessity for a consistent daily meal service, which the Busch Boulevard location provided.

The article notes that many individuals living in low-budget hotels along Busch Boulevard may not have access to kitchens, making it difficult to utilize food pantry donations. While the downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg locations will remain operational, the closure of the Busch Boulevard site represents a significant loss for the community. Volunteers continue to advocate for better solutions to ensure that those in need have access to daily meals.