Open Arms Ministry

01/28/2026

Due to some necessary facility maintenance, Open Arms will be closed until further notice starting Jan. 29, 2026. Unfortunately, we don't know right now exactly how long maintenance will take to complete, but we will share a reopen date on Facebook and on our website as soon as we have it. The Feeding Tampa Bay website has some alternate pantry locations and food assistance programs that are available in our area.

We have a variety of food assistance options available across our 10-county region, like mobile grocery locations, food pantries, benefits assistance, and a job training program. Click through the sections below to help determine which service is right for you. If you still have questions, check our...

12/10/2025

Open Arms will be closed from Dec. 22-Dec. 31. We will be back open Monday, Jan. 5 with our normal hours: Mon-Weds from 1-3 PM.

10/15/2025

We will have USDA food distribution during our normal hours 1-3 PM on the following dates:
October 29
November 12
December 3 & December 17
This food is available regardless of whether your household has already received Open Arms food during the month.

09/04/2025

We’re so sorry to have to share the sad news that Open Arms Minister, Yvette Carter, has passed away after a long battle with cancer. Yvette was known for her powerful faith and her deep desire to help those in need. We will miss her leadership and vision, her smile, her generosity and her kind heart. Her memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 11 at 10:30 AM at Victory Fellowship - 380 Fulton Dr SE in Largo.

06/29/2025

Let’s start with a prayer
&
remember
The Word of GOD is a source of strength and hope for all of His children . I believe that a truth worth learning is a truth worth telling.

06/29/2025

( ROMANS 14:19:Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another)

GOD'S Word encourages us to follow after, or seek after things which make peace and edification. To “edify” in this verse means to build up;

Our words are powerful and have a strong effect on people . Sometimes we may be tempted to think that being sarcastic is funny, but it is often at the expense of someone else.
This can be very discouraging and hurtful not only for the person it is directed at, but also for those who are around to hear it.
Often we think they are laughing with us but that is not true.
Every day is full of opportunities to encourage those around us.
Our words of edification have the power to help others reach a higher level of thinking in their spiritual development.
We can inspire them, build them up, love them, and strengthen them with our words.
Have you ever been around someone who is always speaking positive, loving words to you? Everyone have a blessed Evening and may the peace of the LORD be with you.

03/26/2025

Yvette Carter has been recognized by WFLA News Channel 8 for her contributions to our community and her powerful personal story. We're so happy and proud to see her being celebrated for the remarkable woman she is! Take a look at her interview.

Comprehensive coverage of local, regional, state and national news events that affect the Tampa area are provided by the News Channel 8 First at 4:00 News team.

11/25/2024

Let’s start by praying
&
and remember you were chosen for a purpose. GOD loves us nomatter what! For that we must be thankful!

09/29/2024

Special Food Distribution from Feeding Tampa Bay at Open Arms on Monday, Sept. 30. 4-6PM. Check the graphic for other locations as well.

07/29/2024

A penny for your thoughts :

We have to learn to follow what GOD has place in your heart.
You can not let other people pressure you into being something that you’re not.
If we want GOD'S favor in your life, we must be the person He made us to be, not the person others wants us to be.
We can not let the outside expectations keep us from following the path GOD has for US .

05/29/2024

MATTHEW 7:24-27, Jesus states that those who hear His words AND do them are wise builders. They have built their homes on rock-solid foundations.

If there’s one thing that we all have in common, it’s this: we all need a strong personal foundation.

What I’ve learned is that every goal, transition and every life change becomes easier when we have solid ground under our feet. When our foundation is strong, we can accomplish more.
We can create more, connect more and grow more. So you ask me with who we connect with. GOD has to be first. He’s the one that can change quicksand to a solid foundation.
Our everyday practices can help to build us up, or they can be the things that stand in our way and bring you down. Especially when your not abiding.
Everyone have a Goodnight & May the peace of the LORD fall upon you.

05/23/2024

Food distribution at Open Arms will resume on Tuesday, May 28. (We are closed on Monday for Memorial Day.) Repairs to the building are still ongoing, so we will be distributing the food outside for now. Tuesday distribution will be 1 to 2:45 PM and we expect to be distributing on our normal schedule Mon-Weds 1-3 PM going forward. Thanks for all your prayers! And thanks to our volunteers for being flexible to help us keep distribution going!