Food Bank RGV is the recipient of a $75,000 grant from the Morgan Stanley Foundation to expand food choices. This approach offers families, children and rural communities in Cameron and Willacy counties increased choice among available foods at Food Bank RGV’s partner agencies and program sites. The increase in choices provides healthy options and ensuring access to foods aligned with preferences and dietary requirements.

Now in its second year, this national grant focuses on increasing access to a variety of nutritious foods by addressing barriers that families face in their communities and enhancing their experience through choice. The funds will provide a unique opportunity for Food Bank RGV to explore increasing choice in food distribution models.

According to Food Bank RGV, one in four people, including one in two children, face hunger in rural communities of the RGV.

Partnerships For Change

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, a member of the Feeding America network, is one of the selected member food banks receiving this funding from the Morgan Stanley Foundation. It is projected that this grant will enable Food Bank RGV to expand selection and make food distribution sites “client choices.”

“This grant will help us bridge the gap between food insecurity and access, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access nutritious food regardless of where they live,” said Food Bank RGV CEO, Libby A. Saenz.

Feeding America will support member food banks in identifying appropriate ways to engage neighbors experiencing food insecurity during the expansion of food choices. In addition, the organization will engage in a formal evaluation process to better understand how increasing choice affects children and their families.

Morgan Stanley has provided more than $41.7 million over the last decade to Feeding America. The company supports hunger-relief programs that deliver food assistance and healthy meals to children and families across the country.