LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The South Plains Food Bank is serving more people than ever before, as families struggle with delayed government assistance and rising food insecurity.
CEO Dina Jeffries said the food bank saw a big jump in people seeking help during the recent government shutdown.
“Anxieties were certainly heightened with the government shutdown and SNAP benefits being delayed. And so we saw in a day’s time, we saw a 50 percent increase of people in our line,” Jeffries said.
The food bank serves 500 to 800 cars daily through its distribution line. Jeffries said the organization is also facing funding challenges as government programs have been canceled or delayed.
The food bank is working with old and new partners to increase food donations. Its retail rescue program collects overflow products from stores before they expire, reducing food waste.
“So HEB, United, Walmart. We’re being very innovative. We’re in talks with Brahms. If you have food on your shelf and can’t get it out the door before it expires, we can,” Jeffries said.
Area farmers and ranchers also donate produce and protein to help stock the food bank’s shelves.
Jeffries said the monthly food boxes distributed by the food bank are not lasting families the entire month, forcing people to visit more frequently. Transportation issues also prevent some families, especially those in rural areas, from accessing the food bank.
To address this, the organization is expanding mobile markets and seeking new distribution sites around Lubbock.
“We are very strong. We are being proactive and innovative to meet the needs of the communities we serve,” Jeffries said.
While the need has increased, Jeffries says community support has followed, allowing the food bank to keep feeding as many families as possible.
“Thankfully, we’ve had our community step up and really fill the gap,” she said.
Copyright 2025 KCBD. All rights reserved.