The Problem
In the Brazos Valley, all counties are considered rural, expect for Brazos. Rural communities are close-knit and include informal social support systems, like friends and family. And, rural communities are a great place to raise children because they are generally quiet and safe. But, they also come with challenges, such as lack of transportation options, limited employment opportunities, affordable housing, and lack of organized activities for children after school hours. And, unique to the rural setting is that most employment opportunities, community resources and food retail establishments are far away, making it difficult to obtain healthy and affordable food
According to Feeding America, poverty rates are higher in rural communities, and 84% of U.S. counties with the highest percentage of food-insecure children are rural.
The Solution
The Brazos Valley Food Bank began the Mobile Food Pantry program in 2008 with the goal of bringing fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food directly to food deserts - communities with inadequate access to nutritious foods needed to maintain a healthy diet. Currently, the Mobile Food Pantry provides 50-75 lbs. of food a month to approximately 250 food-insecure households in Brazos, Grimes, Madison, and Washington Counties.
The flexibility of the structure of a Mobile Food Pantry means the distribution can occur where it is most needed, even if a physical building is not available, and when volunteers are available to run it.
The Impact
The Brazos Valley Food Bank's Mobile Pantry program has a significant impact on rural communities by addressing food insecurity and providing essential nutrition to those in need. This is crucial in rural areas where transportation and proximity to grocery stores can be major barriers.
Beyond just providing food, the Mobile Pantry fosters a sense of community.
Take A Closer Look at the Mobile Pantry Program
Mobile Pantry Locations across Brazos Valley
Brazos: Boys & Girls Club Parking Lot, Bryan
Grimes: Grimes Co. Fairgrounds, Navasota
Madison: Madison Co. Fairgrounds, Madisonville
Washington: Washington Co. Fairgrounds, Brenham
Where: Madison County Fairgrounds
Date and Time: Usually the last Thursday of each month, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM or until food runs out.
Age requirement: Volunteers under 18 must have a parent/guardian with them.
Requirements: Must have your own transportation to and from, signed confidentiality agreement, must be able to stand for long periods of time, and lift up to 40 lbs. Volunteers assist with paperwork and distribution of food to clients. The fairgrounds are mostly open, with little shade, and it is windy, sunny, and hot in the summer. We do bring water for the volunteers (especially during the summer when it is hot). When it rains, we set up under a pavilion to keep the cardboard boxes, paperwork, and (most of) the volunteers dry.
For more information on volunteering with our mobile pantries click here.
As one of our core services to the Brazos Valley, the Mobile Pantry program is completely dependent on donations from individuals like you! Be a part of ending rural hunger in the Brazos Valley today.