Turkeys Tackling Hunger Will Feed Thousands

In 2017, over 6,000 individuals were able to reap the benefits of a holiday meal because of this program. Hays County Food Bank hopes to distribute even more holiday meals this year.

Each year, Hays County Food Bank tries to add a bit more cheer to families in need in our community.

The week before Thanksgiving, volunteers and staff will gather to hand out holiday meal boxes to low-income households and others facing food emergencies. These holiday meal boxes include a frozen turkey and traditional holiday sides that can be cooked and enjoyed at home.

Donations Needed

How can Hays County Food Bank afford to provide this service? The Food Bank relies on the generosity of the community.

Donations from businesses, civic clubs, churches, and individuals are what drive this campaign. Without the community’s support, the food bank would not be able to provide so many with the food for a delicious holiday meal.

In 2017, over 6,000 individuals were able to reap the benefits of a holiday meal because of this program. Hays County Food Bank hopes to distribute even more holiday meals this year.

A single donation of $30 can help ensure that one family is sponsored. Imagine if every able resident was able to sponsor one family!

Any funds raised beyond the holiday meals will help the food bank continue its regular operations like food rescue, food assistance programs, and nutrition education.

If members of the community would like to donate to this campaign, please visit haysfoodbank.org/donate and choose Turkeys Tackling Hunger campaign under Donor Intent. Interested individuals can also visit their facilities or mail donations to:

Hays County Food Bank

220 Herndon Street

San Marcos, TX 78666.

“You could be the reason someone eats this holiday season.”

Hays County Food Bank will be accepting donations until Giving Tuesday, November 27.

Want To Help Distribute Holiday Meal Boxes?

If individuals would like to be more hands-on, the food bank will need help distributing boxes during distribution week. Volunteers are needed to maintain order, sign people in, carry boxes to vehicles, and dress in costume to keep the mood fun. If individuals would like to volunteer, call Jessica Cruz, Volunteer Services Coordinator at (512) 392-8300 x222 or email her at jcruz@haysfoodbank.org.

When Is Distribution Week?

Distribution week is the week before Thanksgiving. If residents are in need of a holiday meal box, they must sign up for their distribution in advance. The food bank is only bringing the number of boxes that have been signed up for to each distribution. If residents did not sign up for that distribution, they will not be able to pick up there.

If someone would like to volunteer at one of these locations, please contact Jessica for times and instructions.

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Need To Sign Up For A Holiday Meal Box?

To receive a holiday meal box, individuals MUST be signed up in advance. During the sign-up process, residents will choose which date and location they can pick up their holiday meal box. The holiday meal box sign up period is open while supplies last.

In order to qualify, households must meet ONE of the following:

• Have a household income at or below the 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (The food bank staff will be able to check your eligibility.)

• Participation in one of the following government assistance programs:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  • National School Lunch Program (NSLP or free or reduced-price school meals)

  • Medicaid

• Have a temporary food emergency due to a natural disaster, loss of job, etc.

Only one-holiday meal box is allowed per household. Individuals can sign up online at https://turkeys2018.eventbrite.com or by calling (512) 392-8300 x223 Monday – Friday.

Turkeys Tackling Hunger is an annual tradition in Hays County, and the food bank hopes everyone will be able to get involved somehow. If residents have any questions or want to find out other ways to get help or help out, please call the food bank at (512) 392-8300.