TAMPA, Fla. — A Lakeland pizza shop owner stepped up to help people with food during the government shutdown.

Phil Imperi from That 716 Pizza Joint on South Combee Road is also helping to feed residents in need through a church ministry.

What You Need To Know • Phil Imperi started making pizza as a teenager in Buffalo, N.Y. • He developed a love for helping people after his father passed away when he was 15 years old • Imperi provided food to people in need during the government shutdown • Imperi is also providing pizzas for a church outreach ministry

Imperi grew up in Buffalo, N.Y., and started working at a pizza place when he was about 15 years old.

“It’s just something I grew up eating,” he said about pizza. “It was affordable growing up. So, we all had pizza Friday night. W

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