Feeding the Hungry: How a Small Food Bank is Transforming Its Reach

In the heart of the Dunbar neighborhood in San Marcos, a small white house has become a lifeline for countless families in need. The Hays County Food Bank, once confined to this modest space, is now embarking on a transformative journey to expand its operations and better serve the growing number of food-insecure individuals in the region.

Tackling the Rising Tide of Food Insecurity

Outgrowing the Carport

The Hays County Food Bank has been a beacon of hope for the community, distributing an impressive 1.3 million pounds of food through its small carport in 2023 alone. However, as the demand for its services has skyrocketed, the organization has outgrown its current location. Executive Director Lisa Young explains that the limited space and logistical challenges, such as overhanging tree branches and telephone wires, have hindered the food bank's ability to bring in larger quantities of food.

A Regional Crisis

The problem of food insecurity is not isolated to the Hays County area. Sari Vatske, the president and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank, paints a concerning picture of the regional landscape. More than 16% of adults and 25% of children in the 21 counties the Central Texas Food Bank serves are food insecure, meaning they are uncertain about the availability of their next meal. This issue has been exacerbated by the phasing out of COVID-19 assistance programs and the relentless grip of inflation, which has driven up the cost of groceries by 11.4% in 2022 and another 5% in 2023.

Surpassing Pandemic Levels

The Hays County Food Bank is not alone in its struggle to keep up with the growing demand. Vatske reveals that the Central Texas Food Bank is now serving more individuals than it did at the height of the pandemic, a testament to the severity of the crisis. A survey conducted by the organization in 2023 showed that 36% of respondents had to choose between paying for food or rent, highlighting the difficult decisions families are facing.

A Transformative Move

In response to the overwhelming need, the Hays County Food Bank has made the strategic decision to relocate to a larger facility. The organization has closed on the purchase of a new building, the former Hays Co. Bar-B-Que on Interstate 35, which Young believes will be a more convenient and suitable location for their operations. The new space will allow the food bank to expand its services, including the addition of a community garden, an outdoor area with picnic tables, and a "grocery store" where people can choose their own items, fostering a sense of dignity and reducing food waste.

Reaching Beyond San Marcos

While the move to the new location is a significant step forward, Young acknowledges the potential challenges it may pose in terms of accessibility for those who rely on the food bank's services. To address this concern, the organization is exploring the launch of a fleet of delivery vans that will allow them to reach not only the San Marcos community but also the neighboring cities of Buda and Kyle.

Visibility and Opportunity

The new location on Interstate 35, between Austin and San Antonio, is expected to bring increased visibility and opportunities for the Hays County Food Bank. Young hopes that the prominent location will attract more volunteers and donations, as well as raise awareness about the organization's mission and the pressing issue of food insecurity in the region.As the Hays County Food Bank embarks on this transformative journey, it stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who are committed to addressing the growing need for food assistance in their community. With a larger facility, expanded services, and a strategic focus on reaching beyond its immediate surroundings, the food bank is poised to make a significant impact in the lives of those who struggle to put food on the table.