Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
A vegan deli that closed in Tampa is hosting a free store, meal giveaway for those who lost SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. TAMPA, FL — Despite closing its doors for good earlier this year, Black Radish Bodega, a vegan corner store that had locations in Tampa and St. Pete, is stepping up to help those whose SNAP food aid benefits have been cut off during the government shutdown. The owners of Black Radish are hosting a free store popup, offering pantry staples, hygiene items, and clothing, and a free hot meal giveaway Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at its former Tampa location at 2923 N. 12th Street. The company still owns the building, which will be put on the market soon, Tina Sanchez, one of Black Radish’s owners, told Patch. They shut down the store largely because of the difficulties of running a small business, she said. “I think we’ve been pretty up front. We were exhausted and the project just couldn’t continue.” After closing Black Radish, much of the food left over was donated to local nonprofit organizations and those in need. “We have always been really passionate about food waste,” Sanchez said. “We made a commitment to donate it. It’s just how we are. We always donated everything that expired. We still had stuff leftover, so when the SNAP conversation started, we were interested in doing a free store.” Even before Black Radish, she launched the Tampa Free Fridge project, which still exists and is run by others today. While the vegan deli appealed to her, ultimately, she had “a hard time taking money” from people, she said. “I know it sounds funny.” So, when the store closed, Sanchez always planned to get back to working with the community. This weekend’s free store offers a range of items, such as nonperishable plant-based grocery items like beans, vegetables, rice, pasta, and sauce. A number of toiletry products, including toothbrushes and toothpaste, baby wipes, sunscreen, deodorant, face masks, chapstick, and period products, have also been donated for the event. Some clothing, including items appropriate for cooler weather, as well as socks and shoes, will also be available. Free hot meals include chickpea salad sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak burritos, and a mojo jackfruit, rice, and beans platter. Drinks on the menu are lemonade, water and lattes. “Anybody should come if you just want to kind of have a meal that isn’t costing you,” Sanchez said. “The idea is definitely people affected by the loss of their benefits should come and feel normal for a couple of days.” All food and items leftover after the event will be donated to Tampa Food Not Bombs and The Spring. “The food is going to get into the hands of people that need it, 100 percent,” she said. The neighborhood where Black Radish is located, V.M. Ybor, has a number of residents in need, Sanchez added. “We’re struggling pretty badly with people being detained for living outside in this area … A significant portion of the people here are unhoused or food insecure.” It’s not too late to donate items for the weekend’s free store. They’re especially in need of household cleaners and basics, as well as baby food and items. Donations can be left on Black Radish’s side patio. Those interested in volunteering on Saturday or Sunday can sign up here. See Also:
