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Your Trusted Partner for Hunger Relief in Southeast Texas
Southeast Texas Food Bank has been leading the fight against hunger in Southeast Texas for decades. Our organization partners with over 130 nonprofit agencies and schools to combat chronic hunger through innovative programs like the Backpack Program, Mobile Pantry, and Senior Food Box initiatives. With a focus on nutrition education and community empowerment, we serve eight counties including Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin. Our team leverages strategic partnerships with retail stores to rescue approximately one million pounds of nutritious food annually, ensuring resources reach those in need. We maintain strict food safety protocols and operate a comprehensive distribution network using refrigerated transportation. Our Social Services Enrollment program helps qualifying individuals access SNAP benefits, while the School Tools initiative provides essential supplies to low-income students.Through transparent operations and community collaboration, we've become a trusted resource for families facing food insecurity. Our volunteer-driven model engages thousands of community members annually, creating sustainable impact through direct service and education. With a proven track record of efficient resource allocation, we maximize every donation to provide up to 30 meals per $10 contribution. Our leadership team brings decades of experience in nonprofit management and hunger relief, maintaining strong relationships with both local partners and national organizations like Feeding America.
Services
Backpack Program
Mobile Pantry
Senior Food Box
Retail Store Donation
School Tools
TEFAP
Social Services Enrollment
Nutrition Education
Community Partnerships
Volunteer Programs
Highlights and features
- We partner with over 130 non-profit agencies and schools in the area
- Our programs serve over 1,200 children through the Backpack Program
- We provide nutrition education classes for all age groups
- Our Retail Store Donation Program rescues approximately one million pounds of food annually
- We offer the Senior Food Box Program for qualifying seniors
Services
Backpack Program
The Backpack Program delivers weekly sacks of kid-friendly, healthy meals to over 1,200 children in rural Southeast Texas schools. This initiative helps offset developmental delays caused by malnutrition. The program operates in 46 schools across seven counties, providing critical weekend nutrition support to qualifying students.
Mobile Pantry
Our Mobile Pantry brings fresh produce and groceries directly to underserved communities through partnerships with local organizations. This program improves access to nutritious food in rural areas where grocery stores are scarce. Each mobile distribution serves hundreds of families with shelf-stable and perishable items.
Senior Food Box
The Senior Food Box Program provides monthly USDA-sponsored food boxes to qualifying seniors aged 60+. Boxes contain senior-friendly items that meet specific nutritional needs. Participants must meet income requirements set at 130% of the federal poverty level.
Retail Store Donation
This program rescues approximately one million pounds of nutritious food annually from grocery stores. We collect safe, surplus food that would otherwise be discarded and distribute it through our partner agencies. Our refrigerated trucks ensure proper food safety during transport.
Social Services Enrollment
We help low-income individuals enroll in SNAP and Medicaid programs through outreach at partner agencies. Our staff provides guidance for completing applications and understanding eligibility requirements. This service connects families with long-term nutritional support.
Questions
How can I get food assistance from Southeast Texas Food Bank?
If you live in any of our 8-county service area, we can help locate the nearest food pantry or distribution site.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
We offer food sorting, meal box preparation, and supply organization opportunities for individuals and groups.
How does the Backpack Program work?
Our Backpack Program delivers kid-friendly meals to 1,200+ children at 46 schools in seven counties every week.
Can I host a food drive?
Yes! We provide resources for churches, businesses, and community groups to organize successful food and fund drives.
How is donated money used?
Every $10 donation provides up to 30 meals through our efficient distribution network and strategic partnerships.
What nutrition education services do you offer?
We provide interactive classes for all ages with cooking demonstrations and healthy eating guidance.