Together, we ensure a greater reach and impact
Message From Our Ceo
Delivering our Impact Report at our annual “State of the Food Bank” gathering is always a favorite of mine because it brings our work all together. The event brings together our donors, volunteers, and stakeholders (our staff, board, and committee members). The Impact Report synthesizes and visualizes data and stories of our mission impact throughout our 29-county service area.
I also get to humbly share some highlights from the last fiscal year. The sheer number of neighbors seeking assistance has been both a challenge and an affirmation of the critical role we all play in the community.
Similarly, the influx of donors and volunteers eager to make a difference through gifts of food, time, money, and voice has been overwhelming and heartwarming. The increase in visitors underscores the growing need in our community and is a testament to the power of unity and collaboration.
However, this surge in activity has presented logistical challenges, particularly with traffic and parking at our San Antonio Food Bank campus.
In response, we broke ground on our new parking garage that will be completed late fall 2024. This capital project was supported with funding from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).
Additionally, TDA supported our rural communities through a “Reach and Resiliency” grant that helps us deliver more food into our rural counties. To strengthen our rural outreach efforts, we have launched the San Angelo Food Bank in an effort to increase support from the local community while increasing efficiencies and volume throughout the Concho Valley region.
Last year, I shared our success around our public policy work with the Texas Legislature and the need for a strong national Farm Bill. We continued with our message this year despite an environment that is highly focused on the Presidential Election. Vote and commit not to divide, but to provide. Advocate for improving policies that are efficient and have a real impact for our neighbors.
I am inspired by San Antonio’s traditions and I’m so grateful. Special thanks to Charles Butt for giving a personal gift of $20 million to Texas food banks to help ensure that no child went hungry this summer. Most of all, I am grateful for the tradition of coming together!
Eric S. Cooper
President & CEO