In 2015 the West Texas Food Bank (WTFB) relocated to a new distribution center in Odessa. At that time our output was around 3.7 million pounds of food per year. We had a strong growth in FY 2020, when WTFB distributed around 6.7 million pounds of food. Due to the growing epidemic, in FY 2021, WTFB provided 13 million meals. While we are still in high demand, indeed more than three thousand customers were served last month. Every program we offer is seeing an increase. Our Senior Box program worked two thousand last month and we are on a waiting list. Kids Café facilities serve more than 500 school-age children per day.
With COVID getting smaller in our rearview mirror, we are settling down in what we are reluctant to call our newcomer. We have seen our communities come together in times of crisis and we cannot believe how fortunate we are to live in a place where we value our neighbors and take care of ourselves.
With the recent water crisis in Odessa, many have been forced to see what others are going through on a daily basis, a shortage of something as important as water. While it is still a distraction for many residents, West Texas Food Bank is more likely to serve those who are worried about more than just making dried tape.
Since the beginning of June, we have seen our pantry lines grow steadily. We continue to see our neighbors making difficult decisions such as putting gas in the car or putting food on the table. For some, these painful decisions are part of the daily reality of not being able to afford to meet the rising cost of inflation.
The price of a pump and the cost of groceries are something that affects us all. No one is immune to the effects of rising commodity prices. Prices for common items such as bacon, eggs, and coffee have risen by 20% or more. For those who have been budgeted for up to the last dollar, they can’t afford the price. Many choose to go without, because food is always something you can cut from the family budget.
But what about the disadvantaged, the children and the elderly in our community? How do those who have not changed in their budgets continue to live or fill a gas tank to go to work to collect the last penny? They turn to West Texas Food Bank and our network of affiliate organizations.
With the generous support of people like you and our Summer Match campaign, your donations can be doubled. Many thanks to our friends the Wayne and JoAnne Moore Charitable Foundation for comparing all donations totaling $ 100,000.
History has shown that in our time of need, the most effective way to support Food Bank is through donations. We understand that many of you who have supported us in the past are facing your problems, but your timely donations are only relevant to the purpose of the Food Bank.
We hope you will take this opportunity to make your donation more consistent and to help twice as many neighbors who are struggling to put food on their tables. Your unwavering support is humbling, and the team at West Texas Food Bank will continue to serve our nineteen states with respect and pride for your support.
Craig Stoker is the Director of Marketing and Communication at West Texas Food Bank.
