Tyson Foods and H-E-B have teamed up to donate 40,000 pounds of protein to the San Antonio Food Bank this summer.
While school is out for the summer, many children are left without their main food source. More than 22 million children in the United States rely on school breakfast and lunch during the school year.
“The San Antonio Food Bank is a great way to provide families with nutritious food to avoid hunger this summer,” said Winell Herron, group vice president of public affairs, diversity, environmental affairs and hunger relief for H-E-B.
Kelly Hellbusch, a representative for Tyson foods, said that the 40,000 pounds of food is equivalent to 80,000 meals.
Michael Guerra, San Antonio Food Bank chief development officer, said the distribution goes out from food bank headquarters at 5200 Enrique M. Barrera Pkwy on a daily basis.
“We have a curbside delivery at the food bank. People can register ahead of time … get your dates and your time and your slot and then show up and load up your cars, and away you go,” he said.
The food bank also distributes food through shelters and food pantries.
Guerra said anyone at least 185% below the poverty line qualifies, with an estimated 750,000 San Antonians a year eligible to receive the food bank donations. Due to inflation, the food bank has seen 47% more food requests in May and June compared to the same time last year, he added.
“We’re proud to partner with H-E-B to donate protein to the San Antonio Food Bank so children in South Texas don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Jason Nichol, chief customer officer for Tyson Foods.
The San Antonio Food Bank feeds about 90,000 people a week, and Eric Cooper, president and CEO, said the donation comes at the food bank’s highest time of need. “Protein is the most requested item we get from those we serve, but usually the hardest to source,” he said.
Due to high temperatures, the food bank starting Monday will change curbside distribution hours to 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Residents can find a distribution center near them and register for curbside on the food bank website.
Disclosure: H-E-B is a financial supporter of the San Antonio Report. For a full list of business members, click here.
