Food Bank RGV announces $20,000 matching gift opportunity to help local hungry children

PHARR — The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley needs some help this summer.

The local food bank is asking the public to help provide meals for local children during the summer months. For those who are well aware, the summer is the time when many students no longer have access to school breakfast and lunch, in which they rely on heavily during the academic year.

However, through the end of summer, a charitable foundation will match donations that are made to the Pharr food bank.

“Through the end of summer, The Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation will match donations made to the Food Bank RGV, up to $20,000,” Food Bank RGV said in a release. “Thanks to this match, every $1 donated can help provide up to 10 meals instead of 5, doubling the impact for children, seniors, and families across the Rio Grande Valley.”

Basically, what you give, the local bank gets — for a great cause of course.

For those who have taken a trip to the grocery store can vouch that the costs of things have gone up — way up.

The Food Bank said that the added cost of providing more meals at home can create financial strains for local families. Although summer feeding sites are available throughout the season, there are obstacles that make it difficult for kids to gain access to a meal. Difficulties such as transportation, distance, work schedules, and caregiving responsibilities add to the dilemma.

Libby A. Saenz, CEO of the food bank, said that the summer should be a time for children to enjoy — not a season of worry.

“Summer should be a joyful time for children, but for many families, it can also bring added worry about food,” Saenz said in a release. “This matching gift gives our community a meaningful opportunity to make their generosity go even further and help more children have access to nutritious meals.”

Although it is summer for the local children, the food bank is still hard at work to provide meals for the community.

“As children spend more time away from school, the Food Bank RGV is continuing to help families access food through programs and services across the region, including Kid’s Café in partnership with local Boys & Girls Clubs, pop-up mobile produce distributions, partner agencies, and onsite emergency pantries at Resource Centers located in Mission, Pharr, and Edcouch- Elsa,” Food Bank RGV said in a release.

The local food bank said it encourages the community to take part in this opportunity before the summer ends.

“Every gift, no matter the amount, can help provide full plates, brighter days, and hope for families across the Rio Grande Valley,” the organization said.

Where can donations be made?

Donations can be made online at foodbankrgv.com, in person at the Food Bank RGV located at 724 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr, or by mailing a check to Food Bank RGV, P.O. Box 6251, McAllen, TX 78504.

Checks should include “Summer Match” in the memo line.