The Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation has seen a significant rise in the number of meals served through its Meals on Wheels program, which now delivers more than 3,000 meals per week. The number of meals served annually has grown sharply, with 167,000 meals provided in 2023 alone.
According to Alice Jewell, CEO of the McKenna Foundation, this challenge is not unique to Comal County but is being felt across the state as more seniors rely on food assistance.
“The numbers are growing everywhere,” Jewell said.
Two-minute impact
The population of Comal County, particularly among retirees, has been growing rapidly. With this growth comes a rising demand for services such as Meals on Wheels. Organizations such as CCSCF, the San Antonio Food Bank and the Community Resource and Recreation Center of Canyon Lake are working together to meet this increasing demand.
The surge in demand for services like Meals on Wheels is further complicated by factors such as rising inflation and the increasing cost of living, placing a strain on local food assistance programs.
Eric Cooper, CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, said that they have seen an increase in the number of people seeking help.
“We’re seeing a big uptick in the number of people in need,” Cooper said. “The need for these services is only growing.”
Tiffany Quiring, executive director of the CRRC of Canyon Lake, said that the need for the services her organization provides has increased nearly 40% year over year.
“It’s not just about food,” Quiring said. “It’s about providing seniors with the support they need to maintain their independence and well-being.”
Jewell said inflation combined with a growing population have increased the strain on local nonprofits. Donations of funds, food or time are essential to sustain these efforts, she said.
“Food is more expensive now, and the number of people in need continues to rise,” Jewell said. “Nonprofits don’t have the elasticity to adjust like businesses do.”
The backstory
Food insecurity has long been a challenge in New Braunfels and the surrounding areas, exacerbated by rapid population growth and economic shifts, Quiring said.
Historically, the region’s rural roots meant limited access to large-scale grocery stores, leaving many families dependent on smaller, costlier options, Quiring said.
Over time, urbanization brought new resources, but rising housing costs and inflation have outpaced wages for many residents, creating persistent gaps in food access, Cooper said.
The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted vulnerabilities, as food pantry use spiked across all demographics, Cooper said. Today, rising senior populations continue to drive demand, making food insecurity a growing concern.
The details
The New Braunfels Food Bank reports that food distribution is nearing “pandemic-level demand,” driven by rising living costs and affordability challenges, Cooper said.
The New Braunfels Food Bank has expanded operations, Cooper said, now serving 105,000 people weekly across its service area. Food distribution has grown steadily, though the San Antonio Food Bank did not specify by how much.
Seniors remain CRRC’s largest demographic, with many experiencing challenges, including the difficulty of prioritizing their needs over those of younger generations, Quiring said.
“We’ve got seniors that won’t take the milk home because they’re worried the babies won’t have milk that comes through later,” Quiring said.
What they’re saying
“We’re at near pandemic-level demand, and it’s scary because we rely on community support to ensure we can meet that need.” - - Eric Cooper, San Antonio Food Bank CEO
“The increase in need that we’re seeing again, being up 38% year over year, is kind of terrifying in the sense that if that trend continues, we simply don’t have the budget for it.” - - Tiffany Quiring, CRRC Executive Director
“Food security, physical security and mental well-being are fundamental to people’s ability to survive.” - - Alice Jewell, McKenna Foundation CEO
Managing the impact
The Meals on Wheels program plays a vital role in supporting the local senior community, said Chris Smith, the executive director of the CCSCF.
Without the meals provided through the program, many of the seniors would struggle to maintain their independence and continue living at home, Smith said. The program also provides daily check-ins for homebound seniors, allowing volunteers to report any concerns about their well-being.
Smith said donations from the public have been lower in recent years, affecting nonprofits’ ability to meet growing needs.
A significant drop in government support in recent years created a funding shortfall, Smith said. Funding from the Alamo Area Council of Governments has decreased by 43%.
Quiring said the CRRC has experienced a “big, giant blow up” demand for services. This growth includes a rising number of multigenerational households turning to CRRC for assistance—a demographic that previously sought help less frequently.
Additionally, rural families face distinct challenges, including fewer grocery options, job instability, and child care limitations, Quiring said.
How to get involved
The best ways to help, according to Jewell, are through financial contributions, product donations, and volunteering time to support the local nonprofits addressing senior and food insecurity in New Braunfels and Comal County.
“All of our food partners are looking for volunteers to help them distribute to the community,” Jewell said.
Where you can volunteer and donate:
NB Food Bank: www.nbfoodbank.org
Comal County Senior Center: www.nbsenior.org
CRRC of Canyon Lake: www.crrcofcanyonlake.org