The food bank, located at 1612 S. I-35 frontage road in San Marcos, opened its doors at its new $2 million spot Aug. 19, and staff were eager to show off the new location’s amenities. The food bank relocated from 220 Herndon St. in San Marcos.
Lisa Young, food bank executive director, said the days of long lines down Martin Luther King Drive at the previous location are no more, as the new facility has plenty of parking and patrons are served by setting up appointments.
“The response has been amazing, both in numbers—more people and more people keep wanting to sign up—but also in just people's reactions,” Young said. “People are telling us this is the first time they've ever had this much food at one time.”
About the program
Young said the food bank serves Hays County but doesn’t have a residence requirement, so out-of-county residents would not be turned away. In order to qualify for assistance, one must be at or below 185% or more of the poverty level.
Based on household size, 185% of the poverty level is:
- A one-person household: $27,861
- A two-person household: $37,814
- A three-person household: $47,767
Those looking to help the food bank's mission to improve lives through food assistance programs, nutrition education and advocacy can do so in the following ways:Additionally, September is Hunger Action Month, and the food bank’s donation theme for this year is “Wake Up Hays County,” so cereal donations are requested.
