As they continue to look for ways to help the community during the coronavirus pandemic, the Rays partnered with Feeding Tampa Bay, donating one million meals to provide some relief.

The Rays announced that they will begin the campaign with one million meals, but have also pledged up to 1.5 million meals to match all donations to the virtual food drive webpage. In total, the Rays have pledged to donate up to 2.5 million meals, which would total approximately $250,000.

“Feeding Tampa Bay works every day to make sure that children and families don’t go without food,” said Rays president Brian Auld. “Now that the need is greater than ever, and that work is harder to do, we are honored to support their mission and encourage others to do the same. While we have to stay isolated from each other to help our community overcome this pandemic, we must also remain committed to our neighbors, especially those in need.”

Fans are encouraged to join the campaign by visiting donate.feedingtampabay.org/TeamingUp. Supporters can purchase essential food items from a shopping list or make a monetary donation.

“Normally, our community would be in the stands, tuning in and cheering on our Tampa Bay Rays,” said Feeding Tampa Bay President & CEO Thomas Mantz. “Today, our beloved home team is turning the tables and cheering on our community to get through what is an uncertain and unprecedented time.

“We are in the midst of a crisis where more people need our help. Families are facing difficult circumstances due to missed paychecks and, even worse, layoffs; children are out of school and missing crucial meals; and seniors are being forced into weeks of isolation for their survival. The Tampa Bay Rays are standing up with Feeding Tampa Bay, giving us the momentum to provide to-go meals and groceries for our neighbors in our 10-county region.”

Over the last couple of weeks, the Rays also committed at least $1 million to help the Tropicana Field gameday staff impacted by the postponement of the regular season. All 30 clubs made a similar contribution.