A major business located in the Tampa Bay region just announced its commitment to helping those in serious need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Raymond James will commit $1.5 million to support charitable organizations delivering essential services to communities affected by COVID-19, Chairman and CEO Paul Reilly announced today.

A portion of the funds will be delivered quickly to organizations working to provide access to food and healthcare, with the remaining funds reserved for future relief.

A national donation will be made to Feeding America to help serve individuals facing hunger across America. Local donations will be made in markets where the firm has significant regional presence including St. Petersburg, FL (St. Petersburg Free Clinic and Metropolitan Ministries), Memphis, TN (Church Health), Southfield, MI (Gleaners Community Food Bank), Denver, CO (Food Bank of the Rockies), and New York, NY (Citymeals on Wheels).

“Our primary focus in recent weeks has been on the safety and security of our associates, financial advisors and their clients, as well as ensuring business continuity and continuing to provide excellent service,” Reilly said. “With those support systems in place and functioning well, including the vast majority of associates working from home, it’s our responsibility to begin addressing needs in communities in which we live and work.”

The St. Petersburg Free Clinic has just recently opened a drive-thru food pantry for families in need in Pinellas County. Wendy Wesley, the Health Education Manager for the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, does daily videos from SPF’s school kitchen and posts them on the Free Clinic’s YouTube channel.

The focus is simple home cooking with what you have in your pantry or refrigerator or what you can easily source from stores and local produce stands. Wesley even cooks with food available at the Clinic’s drive-thru pantry. Last week Wesley roasted a whole chicken, potatoes and parsnips, all of which were available at the pantry.

Wesley is a registered dietitian and includes nutrition education and tips for staying healthy during this time. You can see all of the videos by visiting St. Pete Free Clinic’s Youtube page.