Local Hero: Orangetheory Fitness Aids Tampa Bay's Hungry

D'Ann Lawrence White
·1 min read

TAMPA, FL — Orangetheory Fitness was proud to stand with Feeding Tampa Bay during Hunger Action Month in September.

“We know a lot of individuals have been hit especially hard during this pandemic” said owner Jim Potesta. “We are honored to have a partner like Feeding Tampa Bay to help raise funds and awareness.

"At Orangetheory, we believe in addressing the important issues that affect the health of millions throughout the Tampa Bay area," Potesta said. "We know that more meals helps deliver better health for those in need. To date, we have raised $12,500 which in turn provides 125,000 meals to those who struggle with food insecurity."

Launching in 2010, Orangetheory Fitness franchisees have opened more than 1,200 studios in 50 U.S. states and 22 countries.

As one of the nation’s top hunger relief organizations, Feeding Tampa Bay is ending hunger by fueling human potential in every family, child and senior across the 10-county region.

By leveraging the daily connection around a meal, the organization is evolving its partnerships, programs and services with a goal to break down barriers and create long-term health and capability in the lives of the individuals they serve.

In response to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, Feeding Tampa Bay has evolved its services by almost tripling its reach to serve the nearly 1.7 million facing increased need during the crisis. The nonprofit anticipates it will serve more than 100 million meals this year.

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This article originally appeared on the Tampa Patch