Big Storm Brewing Co.’s “Hops for Hunger” specialty beer, which is available locally. PHOTO  PROVIDED

CLEARWATER – Big Storm Brewing Co. is teaming up with Feeding Tampa Bay to help end hunger by creating a new specialty beer. Last week the Clearwater-based company released “Hops for Hunger,” a honey wheat orange ale, to aid Feeding Tampa Bay’s mission. A percentage of every beer sold will be donated to better serve those in need.

Food insecurity can affect anyone: friends, coworkers, the elderly and classmates. Many people who need help work hard day in and day out, but are one layoff, tragedy or natural disaster away from needing assistance.

“It breaks my heart to think there are families in Tampa Bay who don’t know where their next meal will come from, so we are grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact,” said Big Storm co-owner L.J. Govoni. “Big Storm has long held a stance of aiming to become better neighbors and members of our community. Coupled with our recent sustainability efforts, this is just one of the many ways we are trying to achieve that.”

Approximately 1 million people are food insecure in the company’s 10-county region. Consistent access to nutritious food enables students to excel, parents to focus on their livelihoods,and seniors to maintain a healthy life. Feeding Tampa Bay served nearly 95 million meals last year.

“Feeding Tampa Bay is leading the movement to end hunger by rallying our community together to help neighbors in need,” added Matt Spence, chief programs officer for Feeding Tampa Bay. “This is the first time we’ve had a brewery create a beer specifically for our cause. It’s refreshing, delicious, and people love it! We thank Big Storm for its generous contribution to Tampa Bay.”

“Hops for Hunger” made its debut during Feeding Tampa Bay’s official podcast Stick a Fork in It. The honey wheat orange ale is 4.8% ABV. It’s available in draft or to purchase by can at Big Storm’s four taprooms in Clearwater, Orlando, Odessa, and Cape Coral.

“Hops for Hunger” will only be available while supplies last.

About Big Storm

Founded in 2012 in Pasco County, Big Storm currently has four taprooms in the Sunshine State — Clearwater, Orlando, Odessa and Cape Coral.

Big Storm has embraced its tagline of “Florida’s Craft Beer Forecast,” by developing a dynamic lineup of Florida favorites like Tropic Pressure Florida Ale, steeped with hibiscus flowers, and Sunny Key Lime, brewed with key lime puree.

With a commitment to exceptional customer service, dedication to quality products and the ambition to explore opportunities left unexplored, Big Storm has become a leader in the craft beer industry and beyond.

For more information, visit Twitter: @BigStormBrewing; Facebook: @Big-StormBrewing Instagram: @bigstormbrewing

About Feeding Tampa Bay

As one of the nation’s top hunger relief organizations, Feeding Tampa Bay is ending hunger by fueling human potential in every family, child and senior across our 10-county region. By leveraging the daily connection around a meal, the organization is evolving its partnerships, programs and services with a goal to break down barriers and create long-term health and capability in the lives of the individuals it serves. Feeding Tampa Bay has continuously evolved its services by almost doubling its reach to serve nearly 1 million people in our community, and anticipates it will serve more than 85 million meals this year. Today, Feeding Tampa Bay and its community stand together to lift the families we serve, because food makes tomorrow possible.