Food News

Thousands of people all over the world struggle to feed themselves and their families. The same is the case with Bexar County. The average rate of food insecurity in Bexar County was 14% in 2021 according to Feeding America.

Fortunately, the community members have access to food pantries in San Antonio and other surrounding counties so that the needy ones can take the food items to their homes for themselves and their families.

Before the food insecurity worsens, the Community First Health Plan commenced its Food Pantry initiative in July 2021.

The best part about the community’s first food pantries will be that these will be easily accessible and are designed in such a manner that anyone going through food insecurity can get essential non-perishable items at no cost.

The community’s first food pantries have been placed near churches, schools, and community organizations such as Gardopia Gardens and Autism Community network so that people can access these easily.

The community’s first food pantries have a stock of non-perishable food items, canned items, and packaged ones such as peanut butter, pet food, dried fruit, dried meat, canned meats and goods, baby food, macaroni and cheese, rice, beans, and cereal.

Besides food, these food pantries have a stock of some other items as well such as small toys, school supplies, sunscreen, toothpaste, feminine items, deodorant, shampoo, soap, diapers, and wipes.

The people who want to donate any of the items mentioned above can stop by the pantry of their choice at any place and time to make the much-needed donations.

The community food pantries are designed with some special and unique features to help Community First to provide nourishment and goods to as many needy people as possible.

Before you make a donation or get the essential items from the community’s first food pantry, here are some crucial things you should learn about the community’s first food pantries.

• You do not need to do any registration or sign up or cost to get access to the food pantry. You are free to take whatever item you need and then give it back whenever you are in the capacity to do so.
• Most of the community-based food pantries are open seven days a week and 24 hours a day. There are no barriers to accessing food and you are free to access the food pantry for your needs.
• All the community-based food pantries are freestanding, weatherproof, and located in a convenient location. Besides this, it makes sure to look after the maintenance of food pantries and initiate the repairs as and when required.
• Usually, most of the food pantries are located within San Antonio city but community first food pantries have food pantries in Bandera, Atascosa, Comal, and Wilson counties. Not only this, the community food pantry also has plans to expand further into rural areas in the future.
• Community First cannot always guarantee that there will be donations available due to the unmanned nature of the food pantries. The food pantries are an opportunity for individuals, groups, and organizations to get involved and keep the pantries stocked.

As there are 50 Community First Food Pantries across San Antonio and the surrounding counties, Community First is looking for partners to adopt pantries.