ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., (WFLA) – A local non-profit is struggling to open its doors for a free grocery store to continue helping feed those in need.

The space in Tangerine Plaza was already supposed to be a no-cost neighborhood market.

The organization Positive Impact emphasizes the community’s dependence on their efforts to distribute food and essential items to those in need, but they are appealing for assistance from the community.

For those who need help putting food on their table, Positive Impact in St. Pete has been an answer to their prayers.

“Before I moved to this area, there were days when I had no idea where my next meal would come from. I survived on rice and ramen noodles, as it was all I could afford. Being here now allows me access to much higher quality food,” shared Angela Sheats.

Positive Impact is known for its free Saturday grocery distribution events and is trying to expand to be able to feed more people.

Karen Rae, the Executive Director, expressed that their complimentary market aims to provide a respectful shopping environment where individuals can choose the food they wish to consume.

She said there have been a lot of holdups preventing their market from opening.

“There have been government cutbacks and so, it’s going to take individuals linking arms to make this happen. We cannot depend upon government funding, but we can depend upon each other,” she said.

Rae said to make this happen, they need monthly partners and corporate sponsors. If they do not get help, they will not be able to continue operating, and thousands of people depend on them.

“I wish it would open, real soon. We need it over here,” Sheats said.

Positive Impact is going to continue their regular grocery distribution events every Saturday, but as summer is getting closer, they said they need more volunteers to help. If you would like to register to volunteer or help with the no-cost neighborhood market, click here.