The Problem
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
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.
The Solution
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 Impact
The Brazos Valley Food Bank's Mobile Pantry program has a significant impact on rural communities by addressing food insecurity and providing essential nutrition to those in need. This is crucial in rural areas where transportation and proximity to grocery stores can be major barriers.
Beyond just providing food, the Mobile Pantry fosters a sense of community.
In the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year, BVFB Provided 8,886 individuals with 984,431 pounds of food distributed through 48 Mobile Pantries held in 5 locations
(Brazos, Grimes, Madison, and Washington).
Want to Dive Deeper into the Mobile Pantry Program?
Learn more about how and why it works below!
Food insecurity in rural communities is a significant issue with several contributing factors and serious consequences:
Limited Access to Food: Many rural areas are considered food deserts, meaning they lack sufficient grocery stores or markets that provide fresh, affordable, and nutritious food. Residents often have to travel long distances to access such resources
Economic Challenges: Rural areas frequently face higher rates of poverty and unemployment, making it difficult for families to afford healthy food. Financial constraints can force people to rely on cheaper, less nutritious options
Transportation Issues: Limited public transportation options in rural areas can make it challenging for residents to reach grocery stores, especially for those without reliable personal transportation
Health Impacts: Food insecurity is linked to various health problems, including chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. It can also affect mental health, leading to stress and anxiety
Impact on Children: Children in food-insecure households are at risk of developmental issues, poor academic performance, and long-term health problems. Rural areas often have higher rates of childhood food insecurity compared to urban areas.
Community-Level Issues: Food insecurity in rural areas is not just an individual problem but a community-wide issue. It affects the overall well-being and economic stability of the community
Addressing Food Insecurity: The program brings fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food directly to food deserts—areas with limited access to nutritious food. This is vital for ensuring that families in these regions can maintain a healthy diet
Serving Rural Communities: Many counties in the Brazos Valley are rural, with challenges such as limited transportation, fewer employment opportunities, and distant food retail establishments. The Mobile Pantry helps overcome these barriers by delivering food directly to those in need
Flexibility and Accessibility: The Mobile Pantry can operate in various locations, even without a physical building, making it highly adaptable to the needs of different communities. This flexibility ensures that food distribution can occur where and when it is most needed
Community Support: Beyond providing food, the Mobile Pantry fosters a sense of community. It brings people together and offers a support system for those facing difficult times. Stories like that of Chanteil and Ronnie highlight the program's impact on individual families, showing how it can be a lifeline during challenging periods
Mobile Pantry Locations across Brazos Valley
Brazos: Boys & Girls Club Parking Lot, Bryan
Grimes: Grimes Co. Fairgrounds, Navasota
Madison: Madison Co. Fairgrounds, Madisonville
Washington: Washington Co. Fairgrounds, Brenham
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.
BVFB's Mobile Pantry Program In The News
Brazos Valley Food Bank is on a mission to feed those in need in unique ways
Brazos Valley Food Bank seeing increased need at mobile pantries