When soldiers and their families need more consistent access to food, the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is there for them, and now that impact has been formally recognized. CTFB was awarded a Certificate of Excellence at the semi-annual Fort Cavazos award ceremony, honoring the nearly year-long partnership to improve food access on post.
What began as a seasonal partnership with a Thanksgiving turkey drop, has grown into a sustained effort with CTFB providing a monthly mobile distribution and delivery of food to stock the only pantry on post. Prior to CTFB’s involvement, the pantry operation depended solely on volunteer-donated food and did not have cold storage units. CTFB was able to provide a freezer and refrigerator. Now the operation has not only expanded its ability to offer a steady supply of food, but also more nutrient-rich, fresh produce and protein serving nearly 70 families each month.
Fort Cavazos Public Affairs recently profiled the growth of the pantry and the broader food security initiatives supporting military families. Read the full article here.
“Because of this partnership, we’re able to support soldiers and families,” said Garrison Chaplain Col. Luis Kruger. "When families are struggling, the soldiers are struggling. That can sometimes correlate to stress, and when we remove some of [those stresses, like getting access to food], we help them to be better prepared for the real mission."
Sadly, Texas has the highest food insecurity rates among military and veteran families in the U.S. Many military families face unique challenges — such as frequent relocations, high cost of living, or relying on a single income — that can make it difficult to access nutritious food. Yet they are less likely to seek assistance compared to their peers nationwide.
Did you know? Fort Cavazos is the largest U.S. Army installation in the world — by both size and population — covering 340 square miles.
Our partnership at Fort Cavazos reflects the commitment of the CTFB team and volunteers to ensure that service members and their families have reliable access to food, month after month. As the award states, our shared dedication has “made a positive impact in the lives of thousands of people in the greater Fort Cavazos community” and is “deserving of appreciation and recognition.”
We are honored to support those who serve, and proud of the work this partnership makes possible.
Help us continue showing up for those who serve. Donate today to support food access for active-duty military families.
