According to Feeding America, limited sources of quality food and food assistance are exacerbated by disparities in transportation access.
Many of our neighbors in need have a hard time reaching food pantries and grocery stores. Some cannot afford a vehicle, gas, and maintenance costs on top of other living expenses.
Project GotEM (Going the Extra Mile) is a home delivery service of weekly (bi-weekly or monthly, depending on client needs) boxes that are filled with nutritious, shelf-stable food (approximately 30 lbs.) as well as a bag of seasonal produce. GotEM aims to serve our neighbors in need who lack access to our partner network.
Lack of access can look like:
- Lack of transportation
- Work during the hours food pantries are open
- Distance to local food pantries
- Disability or mobility issues
Our Home Delivery Program is currently at maximum capacity. Due to the high demand for this service, our waitlist has also reached its capacity.
Therefore, our waitlist is now closed. For those currently on the waitlist, we still do not have a definitive timeline for when you will be added to services.
Testimonial
Despite having no friends or family in Texas, Shalonda, a North Carolina native, made the move to Bryan/College Station with her teenage son to work as a General Manager at a hotel. Shalonda was enjoying her job. She stated that although they were living paycheck-to-paycheck, she and her son “lived a comfortable life”. However, the owner of the hotel changed management and Shalonda was out of a job. With money running low, Shalonda knew she had to do something quick. She went to the local Texas Workforce and was referred to Brazos Valley Food Bank.
At first, Shalonda felt ashamed. With her job and the amount of money she made, she never had to go to a food bank for assistance. However, Shalonda was grateful for the help that was available to her. Because of BVFB Shalonda stated that she “didn’t have to worry about where the next meal was coming from”. Shalonda and her son receive a Project GotEm food box every Thursday. Growing up, Shalonda stated that she didn’t always make healthy eating choices. Now she incorporates more fresh produce. Shalonda stated that she and her son have started making healthy vegetable, fruit, and peanut butter smoothies. They also get creative with fresh produce by making their own salsa. Before receiving the Project GotEm box, Shalonda stated that she had to buy raman noodles and hot dogs, and ‘struggle meals’ that she and her son could eat for multiple days. Thanks to the food box, Shalonda stated that her health has improved. “I feel more energized, I make different recipes and I’m expanding my palate”.
Shalonda’s advice for anyone looking to participate in a similar food assistance program is, “I would say to reach out to the food bank and any other resources in the community, the process was swift and efficient, and I did not feel stigmatized.”
To get Project GotEm bags delivered, food items first have to be sorted and packed.
Click here to learn more about how you, your family, and friends can volunteer with Project GotEM.
As one of our core services to the Brazos Valley, Project GotEM is completely dependent on donations from individuals like you! Be a part of ending hunger in the Brazos Valley today.