Our Mission
The Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Inc. emphasizes education in food consumption, agricultural science, and improved lifestyle choices including fitness, and finance. We adhere to a "health is wealth initiative," focusing on improving health, financial, and other racial disparities in the Black, Brown, and African American populations.
In 2017, a non-profit organization called the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Inc. was established to raise awareness about the limited access to healthier food choices and healthcare in Black, African American, and Brown communities. The festival held its first community event in St. Petersburg, FL, during President's Day Weekend in February 2018. This free event celebrated the food culture and history of collard greens, which is a popular dish in Southern cooking. Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity, and in 2023 attracted over 8,000 attendees, setting a new record! The tremendous support and generosity from the community has been truly remarkable!
Focus On Food Consumption
How a well-balanced diet provides the energy needed to stay active throughout the day, nutrients for growth, and repair, and prevents diet-related illnesses.
Focus on Intergenerational Agriculture
The art and science of cultivating the soil, growing food, and native plants locally.
Focus on Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle behaviors including getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, being physically active, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy body weight contribute to a long and healthy lifestyle.
Why A Collard Green Festival?
What started as an impromptu cooking competition between two friends who preferred using smoked turkey wings in their collard dishes, has now transformed into something remarkable! Motivated by their deep concern about the alarming rates of heart disease and stroke in the Black, African American, and Brown communities, as well as the financial implications of these conditions, Samantha and Boyzell felt an urgent need to raise awareness of this epidemic in the city they call home - the Sunshine City.
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Design DirectorIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Connect With Community
VENDORS
Find one-of-a-kind products and cultural attire to soul food, cooked collards, Caribbean flavors and vegan options. Our vendors go beyond just selling - they offer non-profit services like HIV/AIDS testing, blood pressure checks, Medicaid/Medicare enrollment, backpack giveaways, and local mental health providers, assistance in financial literacy and more. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to shop and connect with businesses from all over the nation.
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Join The Team
VOLUNTEER
Join us as a volunteer for the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival. We provide virtual orientation and on-site training that enhances the overall festival experience. Choose the role that best fits your skills and preferences, from festival setup, greeting guests and giving away fresh collard greens.- there are many ways to help. WE LOVE our volunteers just as much we LOVE greens! Sign up today!
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Make An Impact
DONATE
Get ready to make a difference! The Publix Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival is all about promoting accessibility for everyone, and we need your help to make it happen. By donating to TBCGF Inc., you'll be contributing to a cause that brings together a diverse community in a fun and engaging way. Your support will make a big impact and help us keep the festival accessible to all. So why wait? Join us in our mission and help us make the Publix Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival an event that everyone can enjoy!
