According to Feeding America, poverty rates are higher in rural communities, and 84% of U.S. counties with the highest percentage of food-insecure children are rural.
In the Brazos Valley, all counties are considered rural, expect for Brazos. Rural communities are close-knit and include informal social support systems, like friends and family. And, rural communities are a great place to raise children because they are generally quiet and safe. But, they also come with challenges, such as lack of transportation options, limited employment opportunities, affordable housing, and lack of organized activities for children after school hours. And, unique to the rural setting is that most employment opportunities, community resources and food retail establishments are far away, making it difficult to obtain healthy and affordable food
The Brazos Valley Food Bank began the Mobile Food Pantry program in 2008 with the goal of bringing fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food directly to food deserts - communities with inadequate access to nutritious foods needed to maintain a healthy diet. Currently, the Mobile Food Pantry provides 50-75 lbs. of food a month to approximately 250 food-insecure households in Brazos, Grimes, Madison, and Washington Counties.
The flexibility of the structure of a Mobile Food Pantry means the distribution can occur where it is most needed, even if a physical building is not available, and when volunteers are available to run it.
The Brazos Valley Food Bank began the Mobile Food Pantry program in 2008 with the goal of bringing fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food directly to food deserts - communities with inadequate access to nutritious foods needed to maintain a healthy diet. The flexibility of the structure of a Mobile Food Pantry means the distribution can occur where it is most needed, even if a physical building is not available, and when volunteers are available to run it.
Mobile Pantry Location across the Brazos Valley
Brazos: Boys & Girls Club Parking Lot, Bryan
Grimes: Grimes Co. Fairgrounds, Navasota
Madison: Madison Co. Fairgrounds, Madisonville
Washington: Washington Co. Fairgrounds, Brenham
Testimonial
Chanteil and Ronnie's story at the Washington County Mobile Food Pantry is a testament to the profound impact such initiatives can have on families. Married for three years with a blended family, their journey reflects resilience and the power of community support.
Ronnie, a Burton native, discovered the mobile food pantry distribution in town after a work injury in 2014—a slipped disk that left him unable to continue working. Since then, the couple has been regular attendees, relying on Ronnie's disability checks to sustain their family.
For Chanteil and Ronnie, the Mobile Food Pantry has become a lifeline, especially during the holidays. Chanteil expresses gratitude for the assistance, emphasizing the significance of the support they receive. The variety of items they receive may seem random to some, but Chanteil sees potential in every item, often creating what she calls "anything soup" when she gets home.
Chanteil's appreciation extends to the fresh fruit and milk provided, adding a touch of nutritional value to their meals. In a situation where resources are limited, these simple yet essential items become invaluable.
The family dynamic is diverse, with Ronnie having an older daughter and son, aged 21 and 25, respectively. Chanteil, on the other hand, is a mother to three children: LaTreis (8), LaShirah (10), and Leron (12). Despite facing financial challenges, all of Chanteil's children are attending school and benefit from school meals throughout the year.
Each child has their unique journey in school. LaTreis, though not a fan of school overall, finds joy in playing at recess with friends. LaShirah is passionate about education and aspires to become a lawyer in the future. Leron, the athlete of the family, loves playing sports.
In a world where access to basic necessities can make all the difference, the Mobile Food Pantry has played a crucial role in Chanteil and Ronnie's life, providing not just sustenance but also hope for a better future for their blended family.
Ways to get involved with Mobile Pantry
Where: Madison County Fairgrounds
Date and Time: Usually the last Thursday of each month, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM or until food runs out.
Age requirement: Volunteers under 18 must have a parent/guardian with them.
Requirements: Must have your own transportation to and from, signed confidentiality agreement, must be able to stand for long periods of time, and lift up to 40 lbs. Volunteers assist with paperwork and distribution of food to clients. The fairgrounds are mostly open, with little shade, and it is windy, sunny, and hot in the summer. We do bring water for the volunteers (especially during the summer when it is hot). When it rains, we set up under a pavilion to keep the cardboard boxes, paperwork, and (most of) the volunteers dry.
For more information on volunteering with our mobile pantries click here.
As one of our core services to the Brazos Valley, the Mobile Pantry program is completely dependent on donations from individuals like you! Be a part of ending rural hunger in the Brazos Valley today.