Summer in Central Texas brings sunshine, long days, and, for too many families, a tougher time putting food on the table. That’s why RBFCU is spending the season rallying support for its Summer Food Drive benefiting the Central Texas Food Bank.
The effort is part of the CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin Community Partner Program, which spotlights local organizations and the services they provide to the community. This month’s focus is the Central Texas Food Bank, with Mark Jackson from the food bank and Victoria Young from RBFCU joining Trevor Scott in the studio to share more about the need and how people can help.
This month’s focus is the Central Texas Food Bank, with Mark Jackson from the food bank and Victoria Young from RBFCU joining Trevor Scott in the studio to share more about the need and how people can help.
Meeting a Growing Need
The Central Texas Food Bank serves as the region’s largest hunger-relief organization, working with more than 250 partner agencies to provide food to families across Central Texas.
According to Chief Development Officer Mark Jackson, the demand has never been higher.
“The need for our services is the highest it’s ever been,” Jackson said. “I’ve been at the organization for 16 years, and I have never seen anything like it.”
Summer presents unique challenges for many households, especially families with school-aged children.
“Kids who receive free and reduced-price lunches lose access to those meals when school is out,” Jackson explained. “There are increased energy costs, childcare costs—all these compounding factors that really put families at risk.”
Feeding Kids All Summer Long
To help bridge that gap, the Central Texas Food Bank operates an extensive summer meals program, partnering with more than 80 community sites to provide approximately 240,000 meals for children throughout the summer months.
“We’re making sure kids are getting fed,” Jackson said.
RBFCU teams up with Central Texas Food Bank for a summer food drive to fight hunger
Every Donation Goes Further
Through July 24, community members can support the effort by donating food at any of RBFCU’s 64 Texas branch locations.
For every pound of food donated, RBFCU will provide a $4-per-pound match, helping regional food banks purchase even more meals for neighbors in need.
“We have a people helping people philosophy,” said RBFCU’s Victoria Young. “We’re just hoping to spread some food, joy and nourishment to the communities we serve.”
Food donations are accepted from both members and non-members.
Other Ways to Help
In addition to food donations, monetary gifts also make a significant impact.
“At the Central Texas Food Bank, one dollar can help provide three meals,” Jackson said. “With these matching campaigns going on right now, that impact is even greater.”
Families seeking assistance can also visit the Central Texas Food Bank website and use the “Find Food Now” tool to locate nearby food distributions and meal programs.
RBFCU teams up with Central Texas Food Bank for a summer food drive to fight hunger
To learn more about the food drive, visit any RBFCU branch through July 24. For food assistance, volunteer opportunities, or to donate, visit CentralTexasFoodBank.org.
RBFCU teams up with Central Texas Food Bank for a summer food drive to fight hunger