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BASTROP — Bastrop County’s support center for residents going through periods of transition is calling for help matching a grant challenge to better provide emergency food assistance, education and support.
The Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry has provided emergency and ongoing food and support services for over 37 years, but has recently found itself struggling to aid an unprecedented number of neighbors in need. In response, executive staff and board members launched the Good Neighbor comprehensive capital campaign in light of the increased need and deteriorating infrastructure of the pantry.
Two years into the campaign, the Food Pantry has raised 94% of the funding needed for the project. The J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation has come forward with a substantial challenge gift to help get the site across the finish line, pledging a $650,000 grant if the pantry can match that donation by this time next year.
The project is looking to build a new facility that will allow staff members to store and distribute over 1 million pounds of food, serve more neighbors and provide more comprehensive wraparound services that address the root causes of poverty. The facility will position the Food Pantry as a leader in food distribution and support services that can serve the growing needs of the community, including linking the smaller pantries in the county to food, according to representatives.
The Food Pantry is on track this year to distribute over half a million pounds of food.
“Be a part of investing in the future of food insecurity assistance by making a financial donation to the Good Neighbor Campaign,” Kelly Manfredini said, director of marketing and communications.
Donations of cash or check can be dropped off at 806 Fayette Street in Bastrop, by mail to P.O. Box 953 Bastrop, TX 78602, or online at www.bastropfoodpantry. org/goodneighbor.
