VA is working to eliminate food insecurity among veterans and their families with a free drive-thru food pantry on Dec. 14 at Harlingen Health Care Clinic. The drive lasts from 9-11 a.m., or while supplies last, at the clinic’s location at 2601 Veterans Drive.

Veterans must be enrolled in health care at the VA Texas Valley Costal Bend Health Care System and present a valid VA identification card to confirm their veteran status. Veterans should remain in their vehicles while VA staff verify eligibility. After confirming eligibility, volunteers will place the food items in the trunk of the veteran’s vehicle.

More than a million American Veterans are food insecure, according to a recent study by the RAND Corporation. Adjusting for a range of characteristics, including age, the RAND report said Veteran status was associated with a 7.4 percent increased likelihood of living in a household with food insecurity, and a 9.2 percent increased likelihood of being very food insecure, which means regularly skipping meals.

“Not having enough to eat can lead to physical and mental health conditions and increase a veteran’s risk of suicide. Our food pantries are one way we are tackling this very serious issue,” said Public Affairs Officer Hugo Martinez. “If you’re a Veteran in need, VA is here for you.”

Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are strongly encouraged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET for immediate assistance.

For more information, follow the Texas Valley Costal Bend VA on Facebook.