Join the Fight Against Hunger in the Brazos Valley
How the ‘Food for Families Food Drive’ Supports Vital Food Bank Programs in the Brazos Valley
The Brazos Valley Food Bank offers a diverse range of services to combat food insecurity. The Children’s Backpack Program ensures that children have food during weekends and holidays when school meals are not available. It gives them the nourishment they need to thrive.For older adults, the Senior Outreach Program delivers food directly to their homes. Many of these individuals are homebound or on fixed incomes, and this program makes a significant difference in their lives.Mobile Food Pantries bring food to rural communities where access to grocery stores or pantries is limited. This helps those in remote areas have access to essential food supplies.Together We Grow educates families on healthy cooking and nutrition, enabling them to make the most of their limited resources.School-Based Food Pantries at schools like A&M Consolidated High School provide a consistent source of food for students and their families. As Elizabeth Englehart, the pantry coordinator, mentioned, it's crucial during school breaks when students might otherwise go without.Project Gotem (Going the Extra Mile) delivers food directly to families with transportation, health, or work barriers. Amelia Ichode explained that this program is a lifeline for those with no other options.The Screen & Intervene Program at clinics like Health 4 All connects patients with medically tailored food. Liz Dickey emphasized how this program not only improves health but also builds trust between patients and providers.School-Based Food Pantry Program
School-based pantries act as a vital safety net for families with school-aged children. At A&M Consolidated High School, the pantry offers more than just food; it provides hygiene products and other necessities. Elizabeth Englehart's words highlight the importance of this for students who can then focus on learning rather than hunger.Project Gotem: Reaching Families at Home
For families facing difficulties in accessing food pantries, Project Gotem is a game-changer. It delivers 30-pound boxes of shelf-stable food and seasonal produce directly to their doors. Amelia Ichode's explanation shows the critical need for such a program.Screen & Intervene Program
At Health 4 All, the Screen & Intervene Program intersects hunger and health. Doctors can prescribe medically tailored food, which patients pick up at the clinic's "Food Farmacy." This not only improves health outcomes but also creates a stronger bond between patients and providers.How You Can Help
The annual KBTX Food for Families Food Drive on Wednesday offers an opportunity to make a difference. With multiple drop-off locations across the Brazos Valley and the option to donate online, every donation counts. Just $1 can buy two meals, as stated by the Brazos Valley Food Bank. No donation is too small. As Amelia Ichode added, it's about showing the community that we care.The food drive will run from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at various locations, including the Brazos Center in Bryan, Son-Shine Outreach Center in Madisonville, and more. Let's come together and support the fight against hunger in the Brazos Valley."Feeding the Gulf Coast: A Vital Effort Against Food Insecurity"
Food Distribution in Santa Rosa County
On Monday, a remarkable food distribution event unfolded in Santa Rosa County. A staggering 20,000 pounds of food was distributed to the citizens. County officials noted that the demand this year was higher compared to last year. This shows the ongoing struggle faced by many in the area.
Data reveals that one in six people in the Gulf Coast area are grappling with food insecurity. Aubrey Watson and her family waited in line for nearly three hours to receive a box of goods. She emphasized that it's a decision driven by the concerns of her loved ones during the holiday season. "It's close to a holiday, everybody's worried about — 'Am I going to make ends meet?' or 'Am I going to pay a bill?'" she said. "So events like these really help a lot."
Santa Rosa County's Partnership
Santa Rosa County partnered with "Feeding the Gulf Coast" for this distribution. Volunteers worked tirelessly to pass out 20,000 pounds of various items including meat, produce, and pies. Elizabeth Morales, with five disabled kids, expressed her gratitude. "Food is really expensive nowadays. Got five kids, disabled, and just trying to make it," she said. "It's extremely helpful."
The Fight Against Food Insecurity in Baldwin County
Santa Rosa County isn't the only one in the battle against food insecurity. Prodisee Pantry in Baldwin County is also witnessing a higher demand for help. Deann Servos, the executive director, stated that more families are coming in for assistance with the most basic needs - food and hope. "16 percent of the county's population does not have a stable food source," she said. "We've seen a 19% increase in families. I mean, we always see a little uptick over the holidays, but this year it seems particularly hard for so many."
The Need Beyond the Holiday Season
Santa Rosa County Public Safety Director Tom Lloyd highlighted that the need for food extends beyond the holiday season. It is a need that often goes ignored. "Everyone comes together for Thanksgiving, everyone does a food distribution. Everyone gets together right before Christmas, does a food distribution. We kind of wanted to catch that gap in between," he said.