Photo by Isis Climes: SPAC chapter members pose with Mr. & Mrs. Claus
The St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (SPAC) culminated its SNAP Benefits Support drive with its annual Breakfast with Santa holiday event on Saturday, December 6th, 2025.
The St. Pete Deltas, a local non-profit devoted to community uplift through their Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: education, economics, health, international engagement, and social action, have served the community since 1961 and hosted Breakfast with Santa since 1982.
Amid the recent government shutdown, the disbursement of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments was paused for current cardholders. The disruption of SNAP benefits affected millions across the country, and over 97,000 families in Pinellas County who use SNAP, according to the Center for American Progress.
To support local families and individuals affected by the pause, the St. Pete Deltas undertook a four-step initiative to deploy support just days after the SNAP program suspension was announced. Efforts included:
November Food Drive: SPAC donated approximately $500 worth of non-perishable food items and snacks, which were delivered to the Jordan Park Head Start Program. Items were made available to any family who desired to take part.
Adopt a Family: SPAC donated a total of $1,100 in the form of grocery gift cards to faith and community partners at Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church (Pastor Robert Vinson) and Friendship Missionary Baptist Church (Pastor John Evans). The donations were provided to support the church’s efforts in caring for community families seeking support simply based on their expression of a need for food security assistance.
Food Pantry Volunteering: To assist further, SPAC members volunteered over 3 weeks with faith and community partners at Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church (Pastor Louis Murphy Sr.) to support their annual Thanksgiving mobile food drive partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay.
Breakfast with Santa Polar Pantry: SPAC packed and distributed 100 holiday meal kits, each containing non-perishable side items for a family meal and a grocery gift card. Kits were shared with families at the annual Breakfast with Santa event and provided to Mt. Zion Christian Academy to support students and their families.
“Social action and serving our community are at the heart of everything we do and are a reflection of the spirit of our founders. The St. Pete community can expect to see us whenever there is an opportunity to help those in need. Additionally, we will have activities that support non-partisan voter registration, education, and mobilization. Keep an eye out for the ladies in red,” said Sparks.
SPAC continues to leave a trailblazing mark on its community in service and fellowship.
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Photo by Isis Climes: Attendees at the Polar Pantry Breakfast with Santa.
Photo by Isis Climes: St. Pete members Meco Sparks (left) & Treva Davis (right) pose behind bagged donations.
Photo by Meco Sparks: St. Pete member Meco Sparks (left), Director of Jordan Park Head Start Program Mary Williams (middle), and St. Pete member Lora Williams stand behind carts of donated food items.
Photo by Meco Sparks: Car filled with donations.
Photo by Meco Sparks: SPAC members organize donations.
Photo by Meco Sparks: SPAC members at Mt. Zion Progressive Church.
Photo by Meco Sparks: SPAC members Terri Lipsey-Scott, Jeannine Williams, Deborah Sheppard-Brooks, Jennifer Howard-Black, Meco Sparks, Rhonda Ridgell, Franchon McCree Dials, and Y’Desha Alsup.
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