Program offers nutritious food, education and support to families in need of assistance
Austin, TX – September 25, 2024 — Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB), in partnership with H-E-B Hunger Relief, has launched its third school pantry location at Plum Creek Elementary in Lockhart as part of its Feeding Futures School Pantry Program. In addition to offering non-perishable pantry staples, the program focuses on providing fresh fruit, vegetables, protein and dairy to children and their families in the Lockhart community. Additionally, the program offers nutrition education and benefits assistance.
The Feeding Futures Program ensures that children and their families can access meals beyond school hours, including weekends, summer break, after-school periods and holiday intervals. Driven by the belief in meeting neighbors where they are, the program supports the community by providing convenient access to nutritious food and comprehensive services.
“Our Feeding Futures School Pantry Program plays a vital role in ensuring children and families have immediate and equitable access to nutritious food and services within their communities,” said Sari Vatske, President and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. “By meeting people where they are, we can more effectively support those in need, not only with food but with additional resources that help families thrive. This program goes beyond feeding; it sets children up for success later in life.”
With the generous support of sponsors, including H-E-B Hunger Relief, CTFB can provide enough food for 30 meals per student per month, based on student enrollment. The goal is to serve at least half of the student body at each school participating in the Feeding Futures Program. Participating schools are Title I, primarily elementary schools, with at least 90 percent of students enrolled in free/reduced meal programs.
“H-E-B is proud to support the Feeding Futures School Pantry Program because we know that it is essential to building stronger, healthier communities and empowering families for the future,” said Danny Flores, H-E-B Public Affairs. “The H-E-B Hunger Relief Program works year-round to support food banks and food pantries like this one, and especially now during Hunger Action Month we are proud of our partnership with the Central Texas Food Bank to help ensure families have reliable access to nutritious food.”
Caldwell County has a high rate of food insecurity at 16 percent, with children affected at a rate of 21.43 percent which is higher than the national rate. The Central Texas Food Bank partnered with Lockhart ISD to identify a school campus with a larger population of students experiencing food insecurity. Plum Creek Elementary was selected as it is considered a “high needs” campus, with 81 percent of students coming from economically disadvantaged homes. The Food Bank continues to assess its entire 21-county service area to expand existing and develop new programs to meet neighbors where they are.
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About Central Texas Food Bank
The mission of Central Texas Food Bank is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger. Founded in 1981, the Food Bank provides food and grocery products through a network of nearly 250 nonprofit community partners and nutrition programs, serving about 70,000 people every week. Headquartered in Austin, the Food Bank serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. For more information on the Food Bank and its programs, visit centraltexasfoodbank.org.
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of $43 billion, operates more than 435 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 119th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 160,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.
