SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANK INC

The San Antonio Food Bank, established in 1980, is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating hunger and providing essential resources to individuals and families across Southwest Texas.

Serving a diverse 16-county area, the Food Bank's mission extends beyond immediate food distribution; it focuses on empowering communities through education, job training, and support services aimed at achieving long-term self-sufficiency.

Core Programs and Services

• Food Assistance: The Food Bank collects and distributes millions of pounds of food annually, reaching over 105,000 individuals each week. This includes fresh produce, non-perishable items, and prepared meals, ensuring that families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious options.
• Benefits Assistance: The Food Bank offers support to clients in applying for benefits such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid. Their team guides individuals through the application process, helping them access the resources they need.
• Job Training and Education: To promote self-sufficiency, the Food Bank provides job training programs in culinary arts and warehouse logistics. These programs equip participants with valuable skills and industry certifications, enhancing their employment prospects.
• Nutrition, Health, and Wellness: Through initiatives like the Culinary Health Education for Families (CHEF) program, the Food Bank educates children and families on nutrition and cooking skills. Since 2019, CHEF has reached over 106,000 students in 238 schools throughout San Antonio, promoting healthier eating habits and lifestyles.
• Programs for Children and Seniors: The Food Bank offers specialized programs to meet the unique needs of children and seniors. For children, they provide free meals at community centers and libraries during summer months when school meals are unavailable. For seniors, they assist with essential food staples to ensure meals are not sacrificed for other expenses.
• Pet Assistance: The Food Bank's DaisyCares program helps low-income families provide for their four-legged friends, offering assistance and education to ensure pets receive proper care.

Community Engagement and Support

The San Antonio Food Bank actively engages the community through various events and campaigns.

Their annual Food4SA campaign aims to collect millions of pounds of food through community food drives, addressing the increased need during challenging times.

Initiatives like Restaurant Weeks involve local eateries in supporting the Food Bank by featuring special menu items and donating a portion of proceeds to fund summer meal programs for children.

Locations

The San Antonio Food Bank operates primarily from its headquarters at 5200 Historic Old Hwy 90, San Antonio, Texas 78227.

They also have a secondary location at 5200 Old Hwy 90 W, San Antonio, TX 78227.

These facilities serve as hubs for food distribution, community programs, and volunteer activities.

• San Antonio, TX, USA: Headquarters at 5200 Historic Old Hwy 90
• San Antonio, TX, USA: Secondary site at 5200 Old Hwy 90 W

Through its comprehensive programs and community partnerships, the San Antonio Food Bank plays a pivotal role in addressing hunger and fostering self-sufficiency across Southwest Texas.