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This week the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry and Support Center resorted to purchasing thousands of dollars of staple foods in order to keep their shelves stocked, as the Central Texas Food Bank is spread too thin.
The county’s first defense for families going through a period of transition has been hit with a 30% increase in requests for food, accompanied by a near 50% reduction in food supply, said representatives. This is the most people the food pantry has ever served in a six-month period, a statistic not unique to Bastrop County.
“It’s important to note that no food bank or pantry has been immune to the supply chain challenges facing the country,” said Central Texas Food Bank CEO Sari Vatske. “Issues ranging from higher demand to transportation availability and price volatility have corresponded with decreased donations across the board. It’s a stressful time, made even more so by a decrease in government support.”
Financial support options offered during the coronavirus pandemic have run their course, adds Bastrop’s food bank Executive Director Tresha Silva. Low-income families left without the added Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits meet increased grocery inflation and need help.
“In all of the 22 plus years that I have worked for this organization I have never seen the need this high. The low food supply and the high need combined to create a perfect storm. We are being forced to have to spend more on food just so that we can continue to serve those in need,” said Silva. This is not a sustainable option for any center.
Regardless, Bastrop’s food panty continues to serve the county and operate while maintaining its core values. Families can still receive 30 days of food, as well as weekly access to fresh foods.
“I will not sacrifice nutrition,” said Silva, unwavering in her approach to aid her community.
Donations from the community have seen a 10% increase, but this is still not enough. Silva expects that she will unfortunately need to continue purchasing from vendors wholesale. The thousands already spent will not last more than one week.
In 2022, the pantry served 4,297 clients and distributed 390,447 pounds of food, where 66% of clients require only a one-time emergency assistance package. Silva expects this to change.
The Pantry needs the community’s support now, more than ever. The staff asks to please consider making a financial or food donation to help aid the most vulnerable people in the community. Donations of cash or check can be mailed to 806 Fayette Street Bastrop Texas, 78602, or at www.bastropfoodpantry. org/donate. Check the website for details on food donations.
