Beyond Nourishment: Discover How the Brazos Valley Food Bank is Tackling Hunger with Community Support

BRYAN, Texas — Hunger and health go hand in hand. The Brazos Valley Food Bank is aware of this connection and works to do much more than just distribute food. It aims to ensure families can access the resources they need to maintain their health.

The Food Bank has created the Screen and Intervene Program, a unique way to tackle hunger. Liz Dickey, Executive Director of Health For All, explains, "We first screen for food insecurity. Then, we take action."

Once people are identified as needing help, they can choose nutritious food at the Health For All Food ‘Farmacy,’ a program supported by the Food Bank. This process allows individuals to make healthy choices, promoting dignity and independence. Dickey noted, “It’s amazing to see how empowering this process can be for patients.”

In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the Screen and Intervene Program helped over 1,600 people in the Brazos Valley, distributing nearly 24,000 pounds of health-focused food. Shannon Avila, BVFB Program Director, stresses the importance of this work, saying, “It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about nourishing them.”

The Food Bank also assists with navigating food assistance programs like SNAP and WIC. This support helps people achieve stability. Avila adds, “Our solutions are designed to meet diverse community needs.”

Summer can be a challenging time for families facing hunger, which is why the Summer Hunger Food Drive is crucial. Donations not only provide meals but also contribute to long-term solutions to food insecurity. Avila emphasizes, “In a perfect world, nobody would need food assistance. We all want the freedom to choose our own food.”

In June, the Summer Hunger Food Drive seeks support to continue this essential work. Your contributions directly help families and enhance the community’s well-being.

Recent statistics show that about 13 million children in the U.S. are food insecure, highlighting the importance of initiatives like those from the Brazos Valley Food Bank. This program is more than just a meal; it’s a pathway toward healthier lives for many in the community.

For more information about their programs, visit the Brazos Valley Food Bank.

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