To some families, summer means vacation trips to the beach. But for others, summer means struggling to keep a roof over their family’s head.
For Paula’s family, it has been raining medical bills after her 5-year old daughter, Olivia, was hospitalized for more than a week with severe pneumonia and her husband injured his foot causing him to be out of work for more than a year.
Their hardships took another turn when her husband suffered a heart attack.
But, thanks to your support, we have raised 1 million Summer Meals That Matter to help families like Paula’s make sure they have healthy meals on their table.
“It helps us not stress over what I have to buy at the grocery store,” Paula said. “I’m saving a lot more money that way, and I can put the money that I would spend at the grocery store towards the bills and keeping the lights on and paying for rent.”
With your help, the Food Bank is able to help all Central Texans, from children starting Pre-K to older adults who need a little extra help.
Through our Healthy Options Program for the Elderly, or HOPE, older adults receive a 20-to-30 pound bag of groceries especially created to meet their nutritional needs. This summer, more than 7,000 of our older neighbors received food to supplement their diet.
Whether our clients live in Mexia or San Marcos, the Food Bank is there to help. It can be hard for families living in rural areas to access food. That’s why our Mobile Food Pantries travel across our 21 county service territory distributing food to families living in undeserved areas. Many of our clients line up hours before a distribution begins, and thanks to your generous support this summer, more than 25,000 clients were able to rely on the nourishing food they received at our Mobile Food Pantry sites.
The Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of food each year, but we strive to make sure families receive the healthiest food possible. Through our Fresh Food for Families initiative, families can take fresh fruits and vegetables home. This summer more than 21,000 individuals filled their kitchens with fresh produce sourced from local retailers, farmers and our food partners.
With higher utility bills and children at home during summer break, summer can be tough for families. Through our Summer Food Service Program, children enjoyed nourishing lunches and snacks provided across 79 meal sites. This year, the program doubled the number of meals provided. Through our Backpack program, children also left the meal sites each Friday with a backpack filled with healthy food for the weekend.
Thanks to your support, the Food Bank was able to meet the increased demand for nourishing food this summer. Together we are helping families like Paula’s build a successful future.
“Thank you so much, you have no idea how much it has helped us with everything,” Paula said. “It’s amazing. Thank you is not enough.”
