Kelly Clarkson Surprises Florida Volunteer With $100,000 Pilot G2 Overachievers Grant!
HUNGER IN OUR COMMUNITY
More than 1.5 million students experiencing homelessness were identified in U.S. public schools last year — the highest number on record. Behind every statistic is a child facing uncertainty. From homelessness and food insecurity to chronic absenteeism, the challenges affecting children nationwide are also impacting families right here in Pinellas County.
National Statistics
1,548,191
47.7%
69.1%
STUDENTS EXPERIENCING
HOMELESSNESS IN U.S. PUBLIC SCHOOLS
— NCHE, U.S. Department of
Education (2023–2024)
HOMELESS STUDENTS
CHRONICALLY ABSENT FROM SCHOOL
— NCHE, U.S. Department ofEducation (2023–2024)
GRADUATION RATE FOR
STUDENTS EXPERIENCING
HOMELESSNESS
— NCHE National Graduation Data
Local Statistics
4,369
37,000+
1 in 6
PINELLAS COUNTY STUDENTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
PINELLAS COUNTY STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR FREE OR REDUCED-PRICE MEALS
PINELLAS COUNTY CHILDREN
EXPERIENCE FOOD INSECURITY
— Pinellas County Schools HEAT
Program (2023–2024)
— JWB Childhood Hunger Impact
Sheet FY2026
— Feeding America / JWB
Pinellas FY2026
OUR IMPACT
The Bridge of Hope Kitchen is a 1,500-square-foot commercial kitchen and community resource center serving hot, nutritious
meals to homeless and food-insecure children and their families throughout Pinellas County three days per week.
In addition to meal service, BOHK provides after-school academic support through its computer lab, certified STEM teachers from Pinellas County Schools, and USF student volunteers.
The organization also operates a dedicated outreach van that delivers meals and resources directly to children and families in low-income motels and underserved communities.
Impact Statistics
13,500+
Meals Served
Providing hot, nutrious meals to children and families in need across Pinellas County.
20 - 25
Children Served Weekly Through Meals & Tutoring
Academic support and mentorship helping children learn, grow and build brighter futures.
70+
Meals Delivered Weekly Through Mobile Outreach
Delivering meals and resources directly to children and families in low-income motels and underserved communities.
IF YOU HAVE A PIECE OF BREAD, EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A PIECE OF BREAD. TM
$25 |
HELPS PROVIDE
5 HOT MEALS
$50 |
HELPS PROVIDE
10 HOT MEALS
$100 |
HELPS PROVIDE
20 HOT MEALS
Since 2022, Bridge of Hope Kitchen has provided over
13,500 hot, nutritious meals to children and families throughout South St. Petersburg.
— Bridge of Hope Kitchen Program Records (2022–Present)
COMMUNITY
UPDATES
Follow our journey and the lives being touch by Brigde of Hope Kitchen.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Deborah Hill
Founder & CEO, Bridge of Hope Kitchen
Champion for Children Facing Homelessness & Food Insecurity • U.S. Army Veteran • Pastor • Community Advocate • Youth Mentor • Nonprofit Leader
Deborah Hill is the Founder and Executive Director of Bridge of Hope Kitchen (BOHK), a 100% donor-funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving children and families experiencing hunger and homelessness throughout St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay region.
A U.S. Army Veteran, Pastor, Community Advocate, Youth Mentor, and nonprofit leader, Deborah has dedicated her life to serving families in need through nutritious meals, educational support, and community outreach.
