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Needy Allowed To Pick Food

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By PHILIP MORGAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 14, 2008

TAMPA - It seems like a simple concept: Let people shop for their groceries. But it's a new one at Metropolitan Ministries. And clients love it.

"Awesome," said client Samantha Stewart, 37, who shopped at the new Metro Market on Wednesday. "You can select what you need, and there's no waste."

The grocery store for the needy officially opened Wednesday at the charity's outreach center, 3201 N. Tampa St. It allows people to choose their groceries supermarket-style rather than accept a pre-packed box of food.

Elizabeth Roberts, 43, another client, also praised the change.

"You can pick what you need and know your family's going to eat it," she said.

Though the official grand opening was Wednesday, Metropolitan tested the system in December and has invited clients to try it out during the past few weeks.

"They have a smile on their face, and that makes me happy," says Jeannette Ruiz Torres, a formerly homeless woman who lives at Metropolitan with her 9-year-old daughter. Torres is working in Metro Market as part of a job training program.

People who qualify for free groceries still can get food that's already been boxed by volunteers, said Ana Maria Mendez, Metropolitan spokeswoman. She expects more people will prefer to shop, though.

"Instead of just getting a handout, they kind of feel like it's a more dignified manner," she said. "They kind of feel like they've got a say in what they're getting."

Clients can shop in the store three times a year, with some exceptions, and can pick a certain number of items based on the size of their families. A family of five, for example, can choose a jar of peanut butter, two breads, two pastries, nine baby products, one family hygiene product, two cake mixes and three miscellaneous food items.

On hand for the grand opening were executives of NorthStar bank, which donated $2,500 to purchase food for the shelves, and Metro PCS. The company donated two telephones for clients at the outreach center to make calls to loved ones anywhere in the country.

One touching drama took place Wednesday, said Tracy Evans, director of sales for Metro PCS.

"A gentleman came by, and he said he wanted to call his mom. She wasn't aware that he had gotten out of jail and was trying to get back on his feet," Evans said.

"So we sat him down, next thing you know he's got tears rolling down his face, and everybody's all choked up."

Reporter Philip Morgan can be reached at (813) 259-7609 or pmorgan@tampatrib.com.

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