San Marcos — The San Marcos Bluebonnet Lions Club is proud to support the local Food Bank by presenting them with a check to help families in need.

“Lions Clubs throughout the world are focused on providing for those in need, the Lions motto is ‘We Serve,’” Bluebonnet Lions President Debra Sowards said. “Through local fundraisers such as our Annual Fall Pecan Sale, the Bluebonnet Lions are able to assist organizations like the Food Bank.”

The recent jump in gas prices and groceries is affecting everyone. But for low income families struggling to begin with, making ends meet is getting harder and harder as prices soar, she says.

The local Food Bank is feeling the crunch, too. Pat Tessaro, community relations coordinator, said “we have seen a 21 percent increase in the number of people helped from January to March in 2008 compared to the same period last year. As budgets get tighter, more people need help with food.”

The Basic Needs Coalition of Central Texas estimates that 40 percent of families in the Hays County area live below the “Central Texas Security Index.” This estimate is based on the Family Security Index which calculates the actual costs to live in an area, including housing, food, child care, medical, transportation, taxes and other expenses.

The 2007 Federal Poverty Income Guideline is $26,650 a year for a family of four. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) 13.8 percent of Hays County residents live at or below the poverty level.

“Hunger is a reality for many people, “ Tessaro said. “Texas has the highest rate of food insecurity of any state in the nation. One in four children and one in five adults in the Austin area are food insecure. Food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to enough food to fully meet basic needs due a lack of financial resources. A regular supply of nutritious food is crucial to overall health and quality of life, especially for children and seniors.”

She said that many factors contribute to food insecurity.

“There is the high cost of rent in the Austin area which has rates higher than any other metropolitan area in the State,” Tessaro said. “Texas has the highest number of uninsured people in the country. Elderly people choose between buying food and paying for medicines. A sick child without health insurance can mean an entire family goes hungry so they can afford to visit a doctor and pay for prescriptions.”

In 2007, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there was a 5.8 percent increase in food prices across the United States.

The Hays County Area Food Bank's mission is to feed hungry people in Hays County. Formed in 1984, staff and volunteers pick up food seven days a week and distribute it back into the community Monday through Friday. Though small in staff, the food bank has a significant impact upon the quality of life for low income people in the community, Tessaro says.

In 2007, they distributed more than $850,000 of food throughout their service area at no charge. People receiving food include seniors living on a fixed income, working families with children, the sick and disabled, and people suffering from hard times.

“We help people in San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Uhland, Wimberley and Martindale each week. We also work with local organizations that serve low-income residents of our area. Last year, the Food Bank passed along over $300,000 worth of food at no charge to social service agencies, churches, local shelters, home health agencies, schools, etc.,” Tessaro said.

Residents in Hays County who need food can call 392-8300 or visit the web site at www.haysfoodbank.org for information about how to get help.

“Our needs are simple,” Tessaro said. “We need donations of food, money, and volunteers year round.”