What’s happening?
Kelly Manfredini, director of marketing and communications, said the extra support is needed now more than ever. Along with more people utilizing the pantry these days—a trend the county has seen for three years now, as previously reported by Community Impact—Manfredini said rising food prices and potential food shortages are playing big parts as well.
“We are not just seeing more people in need,” Executive Director Tresha Silva said in a news release. “We are seeing deeper levels of hunger as families struggle with inflation, reduced federal assistance and now the very real threat of food shortages this summer.”
Why it matters
In the release, pantry officials said recent funding cuts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture have reduced food purchasing programs by $500 million nationwide.
The Central Texas Food Bank, which supplies up to 45% of the Bastrop Pantry’s inventory, lost $5.5 million in funding and canceled 40 food deliveries—an estimated 761,000 meals.
“Our rural community is facing challenges on all sides,” Silva said.
How to help
Those wanting to help can do so in a number of ways, including:
- Volunteer to sort, pack and distribute food
- Make monetary donations online
- Mail a check to P.O. Box 953, Bastrop, Texas 78602
- Drop off a check in person at 806 Fayette St., Bastrop.
To prepare for ongoing challenges, the pantry is raising funds to expand its services, as well as storage and distribution capacity.
A capital campaign is underway, with $400,000 left to raise.
Officials said monetary donations made toward the campaign through July will be matched by the Mabee Foundation.
