Hays County Food Bank celebrates healthy harvest benefiting ‘food insecure’ households

Approximately 8.5 tons of food is distributed weekly to low-income households throughout the Hays County area. All of that food has to come from somewhere, and not all of it can come from local restaurant and grocery partners. In 2016, Hays County Food Bank initiated the Spring Harvest Healthy Food Drive Challenge to inspire food donations in the spring, a time when food drives are not as plentiful as they are in the fall.

In 2017, the Wallace Middle School Rangers in Kyle proved their commitment to fighting hunger and rallied together to bring in the most food items. As defending champions, they had a tough task ahead of them. Unfortunately, they fell a little short and had to relinquish the traveling trophy to the 2018 winners, Texas State University’s Residence Hall Association (RHA). Each year, the RHA collects food from dorms and apartments when students are moving out. This year, they decided to put their efforts into the annual Spring Harvest Challenge and see if Texas State could win the honors. They came out on top by collecting 2,282 pounds of food for others in need.

Since the focus of this particular food drive is on fresh and nutritious foods, the food bank would also like to recognize the San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. They have supported Hays County Food Bank for many years, and currently, they fund the food bank’s plots at Alamo Neighborhood Garden. Jeannie Lewis, SMUUF Social Justice chair, said, “We are honored by this recognition by the food bank. We have worked with the food bank for several years and are committed to contributing to help those who are food insecure in our community.” Hays County Master Gardener Elaine Johnson oversees the food bank plots and the wonderful 18+ group from Hays CISD tends to the garden. The kids and Johnson have a great time working in the garden, and it teaches them valuable life skills. During this food drive, the group harvested 111 pounds of fresh vegetables. This project is truly a group effort, and Hays County Food Bank hopes that this partnership can continue for many years to come.

Hays County Food Bank would like to thank all participants in this year’s food drive and hopes that everyone chooses to participate again in next year’s challenge. If you would like to host your own food drive, please visit http://bit.ly/HaysDrive or call 512-392-8300 x230.

• Submitted by the Hays County Food Bank