“Working to end hunger in our community”          

The Shepherd Center, located at 101 W. Court Street has been serving the Tarpon Springs area since 1974. Their soup kitchen has been one our recipient agencies since March 1992.The following article is presented to illustrate the impact our Recipient Agencies can have on a community.

A Few Facts about the Shepherd Center

In 2003

They have expanded and enhanced most programs in 2003. Here are some interesting totals: 

Over 200,000 pounds of food were distributed to households and pantries in the Greater Tarpon Springs community. 

Their Community Kitchens served over 36,000 hot meals to their patrons. Meals are served six days per week. Many of these people are homeless and depend on the Center for their basic sustenance. 

Over 20,000 items including clothing, furnishings, books, toys, hygienic supplies, etc. were distributed free of charge (or virtually so) to the community.    

They distributed groceries for over 43,200 meals to over 2200 people, with approximately 600 children.   

They distributed 650 complete Thanksgiving food baskets, and another 650 Christmas food baskets to community families--most of who have children.  

They provided 21 families including 65 at-risk children with Christmas presents and supplies during their Adopt-a-Family program. 

They managed over 500 complex hardship cases during the year.

They supported over 960 very active households who depend on them for their basic needs. They are the largest, most comprehensive service of its kind north of Clearwater and extending up into southwestern Pasco County. 

Their volunteers logged over 20,000 hours providing these services around the year.

    The photos below show some of their kitchen team (Left) and some volunteers (right).