Central Texas Food Bank holds distribution event as need continues

AUSTIN, Texas - The Central Texas Food Bank is holding another food distribution event as many in the community are still needing help.

Jeanne Torres is one of thousands whose life changed in the blink of an eye two months ago.

“I haven't been at work since March. We all lost our jobs. Hopefully, we will be getting back to work soon,” she said.

She's been coming to some of the Central Texas Food Bank's mass distributions since they started having them.

“It's been helping us out pretty good. We come together, pick up each other and go to different ones. We give out to neighbors that need it also,” said Torres.

The food bank served 1,076 households at the Toney Burger Center Thursday. “It's going to help our family a lot. Every little bit helps,” said Vicki Vargas.

Over the past several months, the food bank has seen an 86% increase in the number of first-time individuals in need of food.

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They have been holding mass distributions in various parts of town in addition to their regular drives. They see anywhere from 1,000 to 2,400 households per event. It's the fifth one the food bank has held in May and the demand remains high.

“In April we served about 345,000 households. In a normal April, we would see about 180 or 185,000 households,” said Paul Gaither, director of marketing and communications.

As with the other events, those attending will get a box containing shelf-stable items which may include peanut butter, brown rice, canned tuna or chicken, and canned fruit. Boxes of protein, produce, and milk is also available.

Officials say that because quantities are limited, only those truly experiencing food insecurity should attend.

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If you're unable to make the event and still need food, you can call 2-1-1 or go to the Central Texas Food Bank's website for more information.

While it's working hard to help others, the Central Texas Food Bank is also in need of help itself. Like other food banks across the nation, the Central Texas Food Bank is facing challenges related to its supply chain.

The Central Texas Food Bank says it's having to purchase groceries at nearly ten times the normal food cost.

Normally the vast majority of our food is donated by grocers, manufacturers and farmers. We are just not seeing that as much right now, unfortunately. We are having to buy most of the food we are distributing at market value,” said Gaither.

The food bank is planning on sustaining these distributions through the month of June if money permits. They hope to continue to be a beacon of hope for a community trying to jumpstart an economy.

“The sad fact is, this isn't going to let up anytime soon. We are in this for the long haul because we are here to help the community,” said Gaither.

Donate money, become a volunteer or learn where to pick up food here.

Central Texas Food Bank needing helping hand due to increased demand during COVID-19 pandemic

The Central Texas Food Bank says that since the start of the pandemic, the demand for food has been exceptionally high

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Officials say one of the best ways the public can help the food bank is by donating money.

The food bank says the distribution events will continue into June. The next event will be on May 30 at the Smile Direct Club Facility in Kyle from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

FOX 7 Austin is working to keep you up to date with coronavirus, with both local and national developments. You can also get the latest COVID-19 news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.