Community Urged to Support Summer Hunger Campaign Amidst Rising Needs

The Brazos Valley community is being encouraged to rally together this June as the local food bank faces an unprecedented challenge. A significant reduction in federal funding, coupled with rising inflation, has left the organization short by $1.2 million in essential food donations. To address this shortfall, a collaborative effort named the Summer Hunger Campaign has been initiated, involving partnerships with local businesses and institutions. Donation hubs have been set up at various locations across Bryan, ensuring convenient access for contributors.

Summer months present unique challenges for families reliant on school meal programs, as children lose regular access to nourishment during this period. Theresa Mangapora, the executive director of the Brazos Valley Food Bank, highlights the increasing complexity of financial strain affecting numerous households. She notes that while the overall number of families seeking assistance hasn’t risen dramatically since the pandemic, many are now visiting food pantries more frequently due to economic pressures. The absence of sufficient funds often forces difficult decisions between essential expenses like medication or housing and purchasing food.

Nationwide cuts to pandemic-era aid have significantly impacted food banks, compelling them to seek alternative means of support. In the Brazos Valley, the task of bridging this financial gap is further complicated by inflation driving up food costs. Mangapora appeals to the community to extend their generosity beyond traditional holiday drives, emphasizing that hunger does not take seasonal breaks. Even modest contributions, whether in the form of shelf-stable items or monetary donations, can create meaningful change. With collaboration from Texas farms, the food bank aims to distribute fresh produce, though additional resources are necessary for transportation and delivery. Together, these efforts underscore the importance of collective action in combating food insecurity and fostering resilience within the community.