FOOD BANK Visit Welcomed in La Feria

Legionnaires open doors for distributions

It was a cold, miserable day last week when the FOOD BANK truck made its monthly visit to help our qualified needy citizens. But, it did not stop local folks from getting the help they need and depend on.

The FOOD BANK crew arrived early Tuesday morning with their cargo of food to dole out to individuals and families. They continued filling the arms and baskets of some 150 waiting people who had come to meet the truck. The crew was fulfilling their mission.

The FOOD BANK of the Rio Grande Valley came into existence in 1986 for the sole purpose of meeting the very human needs of overlooked individuals and families in our neighborhoods. These are often hungry, desperate people who somehow slipped through the services of the established charities available. Locally, the officers and members of La Feria’s American Legion regularly open their doors for local distributions to qualified, needy citizens.

Omar I. Rodriguez is the Manager of Communications and Advocacy for the Valley-wide organization. Last week, he arranged for his team of volunteers to be at the American Legion Post 439 with their truck laden with supplies for distribution. Perhaps, you saw them. The visit helped many local families. As he put his work into words, he said, “We put smiles on the faces of hungry children, it‘s a labor of love we do”

Rodriguez said the non-profit FOOD BANK has become the major distribution center for foods donated by USDA, HEB Supermarkets, Walmart and Target stores and other sources. “It is in realty an ‘emergency pantry’ for local people who are hungry, perhaps homeless. Some are diagnosed sick, others having lost their job, and are in desperate shape, through no fault of their own,” he said.

How do I feel about the work I do? “Well, let me tell you,” he said. “Every week we provide food to 3500 to 4000 people who would otherwise go hungry. I think especially about the children we feed each week. Sometimes, it’s a matter of paying bills, the rent or eating. If it weren’t for school lunch programs, many kids would not get healthy, nourishing food. In the summer when there is no school, we get food to the kids.”

“To answer your question,” he paused and said, “I feel good and very satisfied with the work our volunteers and I personally do and the work of the FOOD BANK of the Rio Grande Valley,” adding, “if any of your readers would like to volunteer or join us in any way, they can call me at (956) 904 4514 or my cell number at (956) 227 2665.