How will the San Antonio Food Bank spend $2.4 Million in federal aid for migrant services?

The City of San Antonio and partnering organizations will receive a total of $18 Million in federal aid to provide migrant support services. The San Antonio Food Bank is one of the organizations that will receive a portion of that money.

The San Antonio Food Bank will receive $2.4 Million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA.

This all comes as a result of the shelter and services program started by the Department of Homeland Security. The program gives money to independent organizations that provide services for migrants who are seeking asylum.

“We at the San Antonio Food Bank have the privilege of feeding about 105,000 people each week throughout South Texas and for many years, that number includes a number of migrants who are making their way into the United States crossing the border are arraigned and then transported into the city through either border patrol or ice,” said Eric Cooper, President of the San Antonio Food Bank.

Cooper said the food bank has been working to help feed migrants on individual cases for years now. Recently, the food bank partnered with the Migrant Resource Center in San Antonio to reach more people.

“It's probably been about a decade of work, and I think it's gotten a lot of attention over the last few years, as the number of migrants has increased,” said Cooper.

The San Antonio Food Bank prepares and delivers three meals a day, seven days a week, per migrant staying here at the Migrant Resource Center.

A man who doesn’t want to be identified, says he’s from Venezuela and has been staying at the Migrant Resource Center for nine days.

“Along the long journey I’ve had, I didn’t have anything to eat. Here at least they give me three meals. The meals aren’t banquets but at least I have a full stomach,” said the man.

The man staying at the Migrant Resource Center said there has never been a shortage of food.

“During every meal, there is always leftover food. Never have they said there is not enough food for that person. Never. I have not heard a single person say that,” said the man.

The San Antonio Food Bank doesn’t just provide hot meals for migrants, the nonprofit also provides other necessities.

“Oftentimes, they might need health hygiene items, toothbrush, toothpaste, diapers, formula, things like that,” said Cooper.

Depending on how many migrants go through the San Antonio Migrant Resource Center, the San Antonio Food Bank says that money could last them through the end of 2025.