Lifestyle
Montgomery County Food Bank Provides Disaster Relief to Thousands in Need
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – The Montgomery County Food Bank has seen a substantial increase in the demand for food and water in the wake of Winter Storm Uri. The record-breaking storm left thousands of Montgomery County residents without power, heat and water including families who were already struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alongside community partners and local emergency management, the Food Bank was prepared to immediately respond and provide disaster relief to thousands of neighbors in need. To date, the Food Bank has provided the following relief efforts:
- Supplied Montgomery County’s local warming centers with food and water
- Worked closely with the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (MCOHSEM) to obtain bottled water that is being distributed to areas under boil notices and without drinkable water, affecting more than 150,000 residents
- Distributed 50,350 gallons of water to neighbors in need
- In addition to regularly scheduled mobile markets and food pantries, the Food Bank organized four emergency food and water mobile distributions each within 24 hours’ of requested assistance. Distributions were conducted across the county, helping over 6,500 people at:
- Willis Community Center with MCOHSEM, Commissioner Robert Walker – Precinct One, Judge Wayne L. Mack, Judge Mark Keough, Community Assistance Center and Willis Police Department
- Magnolia High School Stadium with MCOHSEM, Commissioner Charlie Riley – Precinct Two and Magnolia Independent School District
- Lonestar Cowboy Church with MCOHSEM, Commissioner Robert Walker – Precinct One and Judge Wayne L. Mack
- Bull Sallas Park in New Caney with MCOHSEM and Commissioner James Metts – Precinct Four
- Distributed 750,000 pounds of emergency relief food and water to over 70 partner agencies across the county
“The Montgomery County Food Bank team is prepared to continue these operations as long as needed,” says Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Food Bank. “Our community and local partner agencies have come together in true Texas style to supply immediate needs and will continue to help in the recovery process. We are stronger together, and we are grateful and honored to serve our neighbors.”
Several community partners generously donated resources to the Food Bank, including Kroger, CVS, H-E-B, FedEx, Gullo Auto Group, CannedWater4Kids, 48Forty, Crown Cork & Seal Co. Inc., HP, MCOHSEM and Straight Flush Drain Solutions to ensure it can continue to serve those in need. The Texas Army National Guard continues its service to the Food Bank and community.
Katelyn, a Montgomery County Food Bank client, states, “We have a house full of littles and food is in short supply. We’ve been without water and power for days.”
The winter storm has passed, but the damage continues to affect thousands in Montgomery County. The community is needed to support the Food Bank’s efforts. You can help by donating to the Montgomery County Food Bank. Monetary donations can be made on its website at MCFoodBank.org. $1 provides five meals to neighbors in need.
The Food Bank is always in need of volunteers to help sort, package and distribute food. You can sign up for a volunteer shift by visiting its website. You can also help by donating food found on the Food Bank’s list of most needed items such as ready-to-eat meals, canned tuna, salmon or chicken, canned vegetables, canned fruit, water, 100% juice, healthy snacks, hot and cold cereal and peanut butter.
The Montgomery County Food Bank is a nonprofit, hunger relief organization dedicated to uniting the community to fight hunger. Montgomery County Food Bank provides meals to families, seniors, and children who lack access to wholesome nourishing food through a network of 70+ partner agencies, local school districts and community partners. Through partnerships with local retailers and wholesalers, Montgomery County Food Bank receives and purposefully distributes donated and surplus food. True to its mission, Montgomery County Food Bank works alongside volunteers, corporate and community partners, and nonprofit agencies to build a community where everyone has access to sufficient, nutritious food.
The Montgomery County Food Bank is a 501(c) (3) Non-Profit Organization, member of the Feeding Texas and Feeding America Networks, and a partner of the Houston Food Bank.
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