The Central Texas Food Bank has received a brand new $129,672 grant from the Walmart Foundation to help distribute fresh produce to families in need. The grant helped in the purchase of a new refrigerated semi-truck trailer and bagging equipment, increasing the organization’s yearly produce distribution capacity by nearly 700,000 pounds, the Food Bank says.
“One in seven people in Central Texas struggle with hunger and we’re seeing even higher numbers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Derrick Chubbs, president and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. “People who face hunger do not have regular access to enough food for a healthy, active life. With this grant, we’re not just providing fresh produce to people in a time of great need, we also hope to improve health outcomes.”
The new trailer and equipment will give produce items up to a ten-day shelf life. In addition, the Central Texas Food Bank will collaborate with other food banks, helping to reduce their freight costs for produce.
