Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Why is the Food Bank of West Central Texas needed?

A: Nearly one out of every five adults and one out of every four children in the Big Country lives in poverty and has difficulty meeting basic nutritional needs. Meanwhile, enormous quantities of surplus food are available from the food industry and food manufacturers.

FAQ: Who donates food?

A: Most of the food comes from the food industry. Often, the reason is overproduction or inventory control. Other reasons include packaging errors, changes in product formulas, and the expiration of coupons or approaching sell-by dates.
The United States Department of Agriculture distributes commodities through the Texas food banks, while the public, through numerous community food drives, also donate food to the Food Bank of West Central Texas. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice supplies fresh produce to us through the Texas Fresh Approach partnership.
Most of the major companies, such as General Mills, Nabisco and Kraft, donate enormous quantities of food to America's Second Harvest, the Nations Food Bank Network. The Food Bank of West Central Texas is a member of America's Second Harvest (for more information go to www.secondharvest.org,) one of the largest hunger relief organizations in the country. Second Harvest has a network of more than 200 food banks that distribute the donated products to non-profit agencies all over the United States.
Other food comes from local retail grocery chains and wholesalers. They donate perishable foods, including meat, produce, dairy products and bread. H-E-B also provides truckloads of reclamation products or salvage that our volunteers sort, evaluate, and box for distribution in the Food Bank's Product Recovery Program (link to Programs). United Supermarkets and Albertson’s provide reclamation on a more limited basis.

FAQ: What kind of food is donated?

A: Nearly every major brand you see at the grocery store or in your own cupboard can be found in the Food Bank warehouse. Many times, the cans are dented or the boxes are torn, but the food is still consumable. Every item is carefully inspected in the Product Recovery area to make sure it fits within the rigorous guidelines set forth by the local, county and state health departments.

FAQ: How does the Food Bank of West Central Texas help fight hunger in the Big Country?

A: The Food Bank of West Central Texas distributes up to 3 million pounds of grocery products each year. These items serve 175 non-profit agencies in Abilene and the surrounding 13 counties. By partnering with the Food Bank, these agencies save more than $ 4.9 million dollars in food purchase costs annually. Some agencies rely on the Food Bank for 100% of their food. The money saved by member agencies can be spent on their programs instead of purchasing food at retail or wholesale prices.

FAQ: Do hungry people eat at the Food Bank of West Central Texas?

A: No. Individuals are referred to 2-1-1 Texas A Call for Help, a clearinghouse that puts them in contact with one of the Food Bank's member agencies. 2-1-1 is a statewide link to government agencies, food pantries, career services, after-school programs, counseling services and many other state and local resources. Individuals can dial the three digit number, 211, and find help with food and other needs with just one call.

FAQ: How is the Food Bank of West Central Texas funded?

A: In great part, by people like YOU! The Food Bank is a non-profit organization that relies on contributions to pay most of our operating expenses. Individuals, corporations and foundations all contribute to the Food Bank of West Central Texas, which is one of the best financial investments in the community! For every $ 1.00 donation, the Food Bank can acquire 10 pounds of food or the equivalent of 7 meals.
The Food Bank of West Central Texas applies for grants to run specific programs and for making major improvements to the facility. We also depend on corporations to help fund the Food Bank and to underwrite fundraising events.
Member agencies pay a shared maintenance fee of up to $.18 cents per pound on canned and dry goods. All produce, dairy and bakery items are free of charge. The savings to the member agencies allow them to use the money for programs. This means that millions of dollars are saved each year...

FAQ: How is the money used?

A: Funds are used to acquire and distribute donated food, including the operation of our warehouse; utilities to run our huge freezers and coolers; fuel and maintenance for our refrigerated trucks; long distance transportation freight charges; programs; and agency training classes.