Feeding Families, Fueling Hope: Fort Cavazos' Fresh Food Initiative Tackles Food Insecurity

In a heartwarming display of community support, the Fort Cavazos Religious Support Office and the Central Texas Food Bank joined forces to provide over 24,000 pounds of fresh food to hundreds of local families in need. This monthly drive-thru food pantry, aptly named "Fresh Food for Families," aims to alleviate food insecurity and ensure that military families have access to the nourishment they deserve.

Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities

Addressing a Growing Need

The Fresh Food for Families initiative was born out of a successful Thanksgiving turkey basket distribution program that reached over 600 Fort Cavazos families last year. Recognizing the ongoing need, the Religious Support Office and the Central Texas Food Bank decided to expand their efforts, launching a series of pilot programs in June and July that reached an additional 600 families. These pilot events allowed the organizations to identify the most effective location and logistics for the monthly food distribution.

A Collaborative Effort

The September 5th Fresh Food for Families event was a testament to the strong partnership between Fort Cavazos and the Central Texas Food Bank. During the opening ceremony, Col. Lakicia Stokes, the U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos commander, praised the collaboration, stating, "This program is a testament to the strong partnership between Fort Cavazos and the Central Texas Food Bank. Together, we are not just addressing a need, we are reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of those who have served our nation. This collaboration exemplifies what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose."

Serving Those Who Serve

Anurita Mittra, the vice president of network programs with the Central Texas Food Bank, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of supporting military families. "For us, it's about serving those who serve us," she said, "serving each and every one of you who puts their life out on the line for our safety and security. It is an absolute pleasure and honor for the Central Texas Food Bank, who's been working diligently along with the team here, to make this possible."

Driving Change, One Delivery at a Time

The Fresh Food for Families events are designed as a drive-thru experience, where civilian and Soldier volunteers alike load vehicles with a variety of fresh produce, meats, and packaged goods. This streamlined approach ensures that families in need can access the resources they require with ease and dignity. The September 5th event alone served 450 families, bringing the total number of families served through the program to 1,400.

Sustaining the Momentum

The Fresh Food for Families initiative is set to continue through 2025, with the exception of January 2025 and July 2025, when there will be no distribution. Teresa Parris, the administrative support specialist for the Religious Support Office, expressed the team's excitement about the program's future, stating, "We are excited to announce our plans to continue Fresh Foods for Families through 2025 ... with the exception of January 2025 and July 2025, when there will be no distribution."The Fort Cavazos community and the Central Texas Food Bank have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to supporting military families and addressing food insecurity. Through this collaborative effort, they are not only providing nourishment but also instilling a sense of hope and resilience in those they serve. As the Fresh Food for Families program continues to grow, it stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared purpose of uplifting and empowering their community.