Online gifts to Houston Food Bank will be matched over first 8 days of March to celebrate nonprofit's 40th anniversary

The Houston Food Bank will turn 40 in March, and a small group of donors will celebrate by matching all online donations made between March 1-8 up to $125,000, according to a Feb. 14 press release from the Houston Food Bank.

Among those helping boost donations is philanthropist Fred Marshall, who is participating in memory of his wife, Linda Marshall, according to the release.

Brian Greene, president and CEO of the Houston Food Bank, said the 40th anniversary provides an opportunity to remember and appreciate donations from supporters over the years.

“We are thankful for our hard-working staff, past and present; our partners and their dedication on the front lines distributing food to the community; our amazing city that cares so much about its neighbors and is always willing to lend support; and to the generous companies and foundations who support the food bank throughout the year," Greene said in a statement. "Houston Food Bank is fueled by our donors and volunteers, and because of all of you, we are able to continue to serve families in need, providing food for better lives. It is an honor to have ‘Houston' in our name.”

The official anniversary will be observed on March 8, when officials will host a celebration for volunteers, staff and visitors. In its 40 years, the food bank has distributed 1.9 billion pounds of food to the Greater Houston area and 18 counties in southeast Texas, according to the Feb. 14 release.

“In the first year of operation, the food bank distributed an amazing one million pounds of food. Today, we distribute more than 200 times that amount annually," Greene said.

Around 1 million people in southeast Texas are food insecure today, officials noted, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. More information about the food bank's history and how to donate can be found online.