CHRC has long enjoyed a strong partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank. CHRC is the largest single private agency of the San Antonio Food Bank. In the last 12 months, we have distributed the equivalent of $1 million in food to struggling families in our community. The last 9 months we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of families seeking assistance. This is a scenario that we are seeing with other organizations throughout the State and country – fuel costs have an extraordinary impact on our families who must often decide between food and medicine or gasoline to get to work. More than 40% of the San Antonio Food Bank clients served report having to choose between paying for utilities or heating fuel and food; 29% had to choose between paying for rent or a mortgage and food; 36% report having to choose between paying for medical bills or food. (Hunger in America 2006 - SAFB Local Report). Our food costs are also increasing, as the SA Food Bank has a more limited supply available, except for those items which come at a premium price.
Summer Food Program
Texas has nearly the worst record in the nation for children participating in the free USDA Summer Feeding Program. For every 100 eligible kids, only 7 participate. (Food Research Action Center, State of the States 2006). CHRC hosts the Kid’s Summer Good Program 4 days per week in the summer, providing lunches and social activities for 25-50 of our young neighbors. Summertime can be a struggle for families that typically rely on school lunch programs to provide adequate meals for their children at lunch.
Food Stamp Application Assistance
In Bexar County, roughly one quarter of the population is potentially eligible to receive Food Stamp assistance, yet less than half actually participate in the program. (USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Census, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic supplement 2005). CHRC seeks to match families with this resource by assisting them in filling out and tracking applications. This service is available every Saturday at CHRC.
More Facts About Hunger From the San Antonio Food Bank
Clothing
Currently more than 10,000 items of clothing are processed and distributed by each month. Clothing items are supplied primarily by local churches, by our volunteers and their neighbors, as well as by our community members