LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The South Plains Food Bank is teaming up with local organizations to make food distribution easier for the community.
Now, families in need can pick up food at the Lubbock Dream Center every Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. This change allows them to avoid the longer trip to the food bank.
Travis Johnson, the chief operations officer for the food bank, highlighted the goal of this partnership. “We want to reach not just those in need today, but also those who might need help in the future,” he said. “Partnerships are key to achieving that.”
More Distribution Points Coming
This effort marks the beginning of a broader plan to set up multiple food distribution centers in Lubbock. Leighann Ramirez from the Lubbock Dream Center stated that their organization is just the first of many that will help. “We won’t be alone in this,” she explained. “More churches and groups are stepping up to provide weekly food distribution throughout Lubbock.”
Families who choose to pick up food at the Dream Center can make it their main site, which will streamline the process. Johnson mentioned that this new model allows the food bank to be more efficient. “It helps us focus on rescuing food and gives us the chance to buy more,” he said. “We can then distribute food faster to the community.”
Aiming for Equal Access
Johnson urged families to pick only one location to ensure that as many people as possible can receive help. The food bank plans to extend this partnership model beyond Lubbock, aiming to help rural areas as well.
“South Plains Food Bank serves 19 counties. We want to build this network across all of our rural communities,” he explained. “In many areas, we are the only resource available, and we need to visit these towns multiple times a month to better serve them.”
For families interested in picking up food, there’s a simple one-page application to fill out. They can start the process at the Dream Center or through the South Plains Food Bank’s website. While having an ID is helpful, it isn’t mandatory.
If there are any questions, Johnson encourages families to contact the food bank directly for assistance.
Recent studies show that hunger is a pressing issue. According to a report by Feeding America, about 1 in 8 people in the U.S. struggle with hunger. Initiatives like this one in Lubbock are crucial in addressing that challenge, ensuring that no family goes without the food they need.
In the end, community support is vital for the success of such programs. As social media trends show, more and more people are discussing the importance of local food banks, creating a stronger community around the fight against hunger.
Source link
South,Plains,Food,Bank,Lubbock,Dream,Center,Wednesday,Distrbution,Partner,Travis,Leighann,Help,Family,Insecurity,New
