Start A Food & Fund Drive
Food & fund drives are critical to the ongoing mission of collecting and redistributing millions of pounds of food to individuals and families in Southwest Texas who dont know where their next meals are coming from.
Not sure what items to gather? We encourage you to seek donations of healthy, non-perishable food items and have assembled a list of twelve items.
How San Antonians Can Give Food Assistance This Thanksgiving
Volunteers in the kitchens at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center helped prepare 12,500 meals to deliver to seniors, the homeless, and others in need during the 42nd Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Day Dinner.
The pandemic again this year is preventing diners from gathering in person at the convention center. In pre-pandemic years, as many as 25,000 people sat down together.
Kitchen volunteers like Wyndy Clark of Aligned Mortage could be seen this week putting meals in to-go containers.
Were putting together all the traditional Thanksgiving fixings. We have stuffing, turkey, gravy, green beans, yams and cranberry sauce, which is my favorite, she said.
Patricia Jiminez is proud to carry on the tradition started by her late father and restaurateur for whom the dinner is named.
Were gonna have about three hundred drivers on Thursday, volunteering to deliver all over the city, Jiminez said.
Jimenez added they worked with non-profits and the United Way to identify those most in need of a warm holiday dinner.
Food Bank Struggles Affect Families
In Philadelphias Kensington neighborhood, John Brzozowskis bi-monthly meal services at the River of Life food pantry have gone from serving 35 people to serving 60, the pastor said.
Theres definitely a much higher demand in the community he serves, Brzozowski said, and the same people go to two or three other food banks per week, he said.
The people who come to River of Life food pantry arent going without, but theyre walking away with lighter loads.
We often offer our clients less, Brzozowski said. Instead of two meat items, you might only have one.
The effects of an unforgiving pandemic, persistent inflation and a sense of uncertainty about the future can be seen on the faces of families who come to the food bank hungry, some seeking help for the first time, Cooper said.
Theyre been pushed over the edge a while ago. So theyre still over the edge and theyve been able to mask some of the hopelessness that they feel, he said, adding that peoples mental health fragility cant be underestimated.
Things have really changed and its really difficult to plan for the future, Yeatts said. Its difficult in a way that it hasnt ever been before, and Ive been doing this for a long time just because things feel so uncertain.
Contributing: Jim Sergent
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The Food Bank wants to encourage children and families to eat more produce and see healthy food as an important part of daily life. Recent droughts left many farmers struggling, and Food Bank officials were expecting the donations to be less than the 2.6 million pounds received last year. But corporations and farmers pulled together to break the record, officials said.
People actually believe that we dont give out produce, but 40% of what we distribute is produce, Cooper said. Over half of what we distribute is perishable. There will soon be 75 semi-trucks taking food from the San Antonio Food Bank to families all throughout South Texas.
The San Antonio Food Bank feeds 58,000 families in South Texas each week.
H-E-B employees and event volunteers built a winter wonderland display entirely from fresh produce donations at the Food Banks pavilion for Wednesdays announcement. The produce will be packaged and distributed to families throughout South Texas in the remaining days of December. H-E-B will also donate a bag of fresh produce to Pre-K 4 SA students and their families on Friday.
If we all do something to help someone in need, it goes a long way, Cooper said.
*Top Image: President and CEO of San Antonio Food Bank Eric Cooper gives remarks. Photo by Scott Ball.
How A Business Can Donate Food
We are in need of donations from food industry partners including food distributors, restaurants, schools, day cares, grocery stores and other outlets. These types of donations can assist us in building food boxes for families and create hot meals for the homeless population we serve. Email us at info@svdpsa.org to schedule a regular pick up or a one time pick up.
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What Food Items Can Be Donated
As a rule of thumb, Villarreal says food banks are looking for food pantry staples that most people have in their kitchens such as grains, pastas, canned beans, cereal, and peanut butter. Guerra adds that low-sodium canned vegetables, rice, and canned fruit are also needed.
There are some items that food banks generally donât take as donations such as homemade items, Guerra says. Villarreal advises not donating items in glass containers as they can shatter during transportation or anything thatâs opened, damaged, or unlabeled.
Keep the expiration dates in mind as well. âMany nonperishable items have a shelf life well beyond their sell-by date,â Guerra says. So, Villarreal recommends using your best judgment. If the item is near its expiration date it should be fine to donate, but if itâs well past the date itâs best to toss it.
Depending on the food bank, some also accept other items as donations. Think of things that youâd find at your local grocery store such as feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, and other household items.
How To Drop Off Your Food Donations
Make sure you know the business hours before you go, and give them a call to confirm your visit .
It would be best not to stuff your automobile to the gills with food. Avoid making repeated journeys by bringing a buddy or two along to help carry some of the weight. Please check the foods condition before donating it.
Please let the food bank know you are dropping off a contribution by checking in at the front desk when you arrive. Dont just drop off your food contributions to the food bank hang around and get a feel for what theyre all about. There is a possibility that you may acquire knowledge about local food insecurity and hunger. Ask if there is any way you may contribute as a virtual volunteer if you are unable to help out at the food bank physically.
Your contribution will now be sorted and stored until the community needs it. If you want to make the most of your time at the food bank, recruiting some assistance from your pals is a great plan. Its a terrific way to get some exercise when you dont have much time. Finally, remember to enjoy yourself throughout your time of service. You can change someones life while contributing to a worthy cause. It is a win-win scenario for everyone involved.
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Contact: Please register your Food & Fund Drive with the San Antonio Food Bank and specify San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup. . Should you have any questions before submitting your registration form, you may contact Heather Stanton at or 210-431-8310.
The mission of the San Antonio Food Bank is to fight hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, programs, education and advocacy.
The San Antonio Foodbank is currently serving 90,000 individuals throughout 29 counties, 80% from Bexar County. The Food Bank distributes food through a network of 500 partner agencies as well as special distribution programs including programs focusing on children and the elderly. As the San Antonio Food Bank can turn one dollar into ten pounds of food, monetary donations are a great way to make a significant difference in our community.
Please register your Food & Fund Drive and specify San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup. You can find information and the registration form at . All food and funds collected will support the Food Banks summer campaign to end childhood hunger .
Collecting Food
Printing paper boxes work really well for Food and Fund Drives. You can go to local copy/print shops and ask for the boxes. They are sturdy and still manageable when filled with food, plus you can have fun and decorate them.
Why Should You Donate To Local Food Banks
“Millions of vulnerable children are losing the healthy meals they depend on as the closes schools nationwide,” Davis said at the beginning of the pandemic. “As of , 39 states had closed schools entirely. When you add in the districts closed in other states it means 41.6 million kids, or 4 out of 5 kids, are out of school.” Even in areas where the schools were still open, many businesses were closed, which meant hourly workers who may have already been struggling to make ends meet were hit hard.
Fortunately, as of July 2022, the health risks posed by the pandemic have lessened over time. However, Davis notes that the need and the financial impact has not abated. âFamilies still face ongoing challenges due to the strained supply chain, rising food and gas prices, and skyrocketing inflation,â she says. âToday, one in six kids face hunger in the U.S.â
According to a recent Feeding America food bank survey, 80 percent of food banks across the country reported an increase or steady demand for food. Food insecurity exists everywhere, says Zuani Villarreal, the senior director of communication for Feeding America. âIt could be your classmate it could be a co-worker it could be your neighbor a fellow church goer that needs help and I think the awareness of that issue should drive people to help,â she says. For this reason, donating to food banks is more important than ever.
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How You Can Donate Food
Our food pantries are all equipped to distribute non-perishable food items such dry and canned food donations. Nonperishable food items are items you can keep in your pantry. We kindly ask that non-perishable food items not be expired for health and safety reasons. Essential food items such as peanut butter, canned fruits, canned vegatables, canned soups, canned beans, pasta, rice, and dry beans are most welcomed because they can help us create balances food boxes.
San Antonio Food Bank
What is the San Antonio Food Bank?
The San Antonio Food Bank provides food and grocery products to more than 500 partner agencies in 16 counties throughout Southwest Texas. In FY2013, the San Antonio Food Bank provided nearly 50 million pounds of food. The mission of the SAFB is to fight hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, programs, education, and advocacy.
Who receives emergency food assistance?
- 36% of our clients are children, under the age of 18 years old
- 46% of households include at least one employed adult
- 67% have incomes below the federal poverty level during the previous month
- 8% are homeless
- About 22% of clients are non-Hispanic white, 7% are non-Hispanic black, 69% are Hispanic, and the rest are from other racial groups
How is the Food Bank funded?
The San Antonio Food Bank relies on the generosity and support of local businesses, churches, foundations, corporations, government, civic groups and individuals in order to successfully continue serving Southwest Texans who are at risk of going hungry. We strive to maintain the highest standard of efficiency while providing food to those in need. 98% of donated resources go directly to food distribution programs. The San Antonio Food Bank has consistently received the highest 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
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Food Donations Are More Important Than Ever As Inflation Keeps Grocery Prices High
The season of giving is well underway as hundreds of families lined up for fresh Thanksgiving meal kits at Rackspace headquarters Saturday morning.
Food donations are more important than ever as inflation keeps grocery prices high.
Rene Quinonez was in line this morning at Rackspace headquarters. She said she is grateful for the extra food to feed all her extra family members on Thanksgiving.
Just having family, being able to come over and having enough food to feed everyone. Its really important to have, you know, family together for the holidays and being able to feed everyone that comes over, Quinonez said.
Eric Cooper, with the San Antonio Food Bank, knows families have a tight budget as rent, gas prices, and energy bills were all on the rise this year.
According to the consumer price index for October, groceries cost about 12.4% more than one year ago.
Cooper said there is a way to help more families
Every H-E-B has big red barrels to place donations.
Michael Guerra, with the San Antonio Food Bank, said financial donations can also go a long way.
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Earlier This Week The Nonprofit Warned That It Might Run Short Ahead Of Thanksgiving
ByBrandon Rodriguez onWed, Nov 23, 2022 at 2:26 pm
Last weekend, the Food Bank held a quickly organized drives at Security Service Federal Credit Union branches and H-E-B Plus locations to help meet the demand, according to Cooper. However, the organization will still need help after Thanksgiving is over.
Gifts of food, funds and volunteerism are needed year-round, he added.
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Eric Cooper President And Ceo Says Its Their Most Expensive On Record
SAN ANTONIO The San Antonio Food Bank helps more than 100,000 people per week, and with inflation this Thanksgiving, it is officially their most expensive on record.
They say, despite the rising costs, they are working to help as many people as they can this holiday season.
Well, I tell you, our goal is to do about 25,000 turkeys. Weve done 20,000 so far. So we need 5,000 more so folks can donate them here or out in the community, Eric Cooper, president and CEO of the Food Bank said.
Cooper says the turkeys are important. But as always, protein is the most needed item for the food bank.
Theres another way folks can donate protein to us. And its through our Hunters for the Hungry program. If theres any hunters out there, they can donate their deer to us at the food bank. And thats a great lean protein to help families this holiday season, Cooper said.
Rising inflation is hurting local families in a huge way and that makes having this years Thanksgiving much more difficult.
If youd like to help out, you can donate by .
San Antonio Food Bank Still Seeking Donations To Re
After experiencing historically low inventory levels at the beginning of September, the San Antonio Food Bank is beginning to rebound, said President and CEO Eric Cooper.
However, the food bank remains understocked as it tries to provide 58,000 meals per week to the hungry in 16 counties in Southwest Texas. Items most needed are protein sources such as peanut butter, tuna fish, canned meats, soups, and chili.
As we came off of this past summer and got into September, it was just an incredibly empty warehouse for us at the food bank, Cooper said.
Multiple factors what Cooper called a perfect storm played a part in the shortfall that left only a few weeks worth of nonperishable food on the shelves at one point in early September.
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What Is A Community First Food Pantry
Our Food Pantries are designed with several unique features to help achieve our mission and vision.
24/7 access
Most open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and freely accessible to all, removing barriers to food access.
Free-standing, weather-proof, and conveniently located
Maintenance and up keep provided by Community First.
No cost, no registration, no sign-up.
Take what is needed and give back what and when you can.
Conveniently located
Why Donate To Food Banks Specifically
âFood banks generally are very efficient in their logistics processes, affording the food industry a one-stop place for donations that they can trust will be handled with best-in-class food safety considerations,â says Michael Guerra, chief development officer for the San Antonio Food Bank in Texas. âFood banks also work to equitably distribute donated food to local nonprofits that have food as a part of their missionâfood pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, etc.â And, he adds, food banks are often the primary organization in a community that aims at minimizing food insecurity among low-income households and under-resourced households in that community.
In addition to providing food, Guerra says most food banks also provide nutritional education and access to public safety programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program .
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Community And Faith Groups
Clubs and groups are welcome to get involved, but because of workplace safety and liabilities and the small size of our warehouse, we cannot accommodate large groups or young children during regular morning hours of operation. No food sorting help is needed until after our Thanksgiving food drives email our manager at with your inquiry.
Looking For A Convenient Place In Your Neighborhood To Drop Off Your Food Donation To The Food Bank All San Antonio Area Goodwill Stores And Donation Centers Have A San Antonio Food Bank Red Barrel For Your Non
For questions regarding individual and group food donations, please contact:
FOOD & FUND DRIVE COORDINATOR
Contact Us
5200 Enrique M. Barrera PkwySan Antonio, TX 78227210.337.FOOD 210.337.3663 info@safoodbank.orgMonday-Friday | 8 AM – 5 PM
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The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501 non-profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to more than 500 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long-term food security.
Privacy Statement
The San Antonio Food Bank values the privacy of our donors and does not copy, reproduce, publish, post, distribute, share or sell, the name, personal contact information or description of donors to any outside individual or business. Exceptions are those required by law, requested in grant applications or in connection with bank credit or debit card transactions made with prior knowledge or consent of the donor.
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