“The Food Bank RGV couldn’t have the same impact without the generosity and support of local businesses,” said Terri Drefke, Food Bank RGV Chief Executive Officer. “We are always looking forward to creating new partnerships in our mission to end hunger in South Texas.”
Growing from an emergency food pantry started in Pharr in 1983, the Food Bank today has grown to the fifth largest food bank in Texas and provided over 20 million pounds of food last year. “In the last 12 months, we have had a 40 percent increase in the number of people requesting food,” said Omar Rodriguez, director of marketing and advocacy. “Unfortunately there has been no decrease in demand since 2008.” The last census put 37 percent of the Metro McAllen MSA below the poverty level.
Earlier this year, the Food Bank of RGV relocated to a historic building, the former Valley Fruit & Vegetable Company produce packing warehouse on 14 acres in Pharr. The Food Bank RGV, which belongs to the Texas Food Bank Network and Feeding America, is a distribution system. “We work with 217 pantries or agencies that deliver food to clients. The agencies are the front line, giving food out on a bi- weekly or monthly basis,” Rodriguez explained. “When someone needs food assistance and calls us, we refer them to the closest pantry.” The local pantries verify the applicant’s eligibility. Many times, people come to a food bank because they have fallen through the cracks, either because of unexpected medical or car bills that leave them vulnerable.
The impact of donations to the Food Bank is significant. “For every $1 donated to us, we are able to provide five meals for kids. With one hundred dollars, we can feed 500,” Rodriguez said. To meet the demand and spread the word on food insecurity, the Food Bank relies on a combination of contributions from businesses, individuals, organizations and governments. Produce companies, like Nicho’s of Edinburg, groceries like HEB and Wal-Mart, and restaurants like Olive Garden and other Darden brands are long-term, key partners. “The smaller businesses, like the Cupcake Factory, that don’t have the manpower, go out of their way to give us in-kind donations of food and drink. In-kind is nice. Volunteering is good. Donation of equipment and of course cash donations are very good.”
Some businesses match employees’ contributions or volunteer hours. Among the other Valley businesses that support the Food Bank are T. J. Maxx, Whataburger’s, Macy’s, Best Buy, House.Wine., Lone Star Bank, Frost Bank , Chase Bank, Feldman’s and BBVA Compass. Lone Star National Bank brought in Jeremy Lin of the Houston Rockets to sign autographs for people who donated to the Food Bank. ASAP Printing provides in-kind event ticket printing. Produce packers and farmers are dependable supporters as well. Hunters participate in a Feed the Hungry program by donating their harvests of deer and hogs. Rotary clubs pay for the meat processing, Rodriguez said, and the meat goes into the Food Bank’s large freezer to supplement dietary protein.
For more of this story by Eileen Mattei, pick up a copy of the November edition of Valley Business Report, on news stands now, or visit the “Current & Past Issues” tab on this Web site.