SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANK

The San Antonio Food Bank says it’s getting harder to feed families due to the spike in diesel prices, which average at an all-time high in San Antonio at $5.29.

Requests for assistance from the San Antonio Food Bank are higher now than they were in December, but the food bank says there are not enough donations.

As food prices continue to go up, many people are going outside to do their own gardening for fruits and vegetables.

The pandemic and inflation are reasons why families are still struggling and in need of food.

The digitally encrypted tokens are still on sale, and they are going for an average of $6,500.

San Antonio Food BankAs the first regional food bank in San Antonio, the San Antonio Food Bank opened in 1980 and has been serving the area ever since. It is an integral part of the community now. It makes perfect sense why the people have voted the Food Bank as the Best Non-Profit in the city for this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. According to Michael Guerra, the chief resource officer at the Food Bank, “Our favorite part about being in the city is to serve the community in its various seasons. Some in their season of giving and others in their season of need.”

Feeding a large household is getting more expensive to provide at home and even more to eat out.

The United Way is kicking off its 8th annual Shoebox Project by collecting shoeboxes filled with everyday toiletries to be distributed to people in need.

In honor of Black History Month, several Black-owned restaurants, food trucks and businesses are teaming up for “the tastiest week in San Antonio.”

As we approach the one-year anniversary of last February’s freeze, KSAT is shining a spotlight on the organizations that helped us get through it. The San Antonio Food Bank is one example.

Hundreds of cars lined up for a mega food distribution event outside Gus Stadium Friday morning hosted by the San Antonio Food Bank.

If you are looking for healthy and affordable food options this holiday season, there’s a food truck you might want to check out.

The holidays are a season of giving and philanthropic efforts have been impressive by many organizations around the Alamo City.

The annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing aimed to feed more than 2,500 families in our area.

The jersey No. 21 is an iconic number in Spurs lore, and this month, the number worn by Spurs great Tim Duncan can help feed San Antonio residents during the holidays.

When seniors enter retirement, a good amount of them rely solely on Social Security checks as income and sometimes the checks aren’t enough to cover groceries.

Give the gift of peanut butter.

The San Antonio Food Bank is gearing up for a mega distribution event Wednesday with its special guest, the San Antonio Spurs Coyote.

San Antonio Food Bank staff and volunteers spent Wednesday morning making Thanksgiving meals for shelter residents at Haven for Hope.

The San Antonio Food Bank is seeing near record requests for holiday help, but the supply of turkeys and other holiday items is running short, the nonprofit said in press release.

An hour-long event of music, readings, and reflections from numerous inter-faith leaders ahead of Thanksgiving.

Donation from Tyson Foods will help feed families leading into the holidays.

SPONSORED: Local community resources alongside expanded federal benefits have been a critical lifeline throughout the pandemic.

In the wake of the recent disaster in Louisiana due to Hurricane Ida, TUVAC has partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank to gather donations for hurricane victims. TUVAC is one of Trinity’s most prominent volunteer organizations, as Brynne Stevens, TUVAC executive coordinator and Trinity senior, explained. “TUVAC stands for Trinity University Volunteer Action Community....

Folks looking to get an early taste of the 15th Annual San Antonio Beer Festival can do that Thursday, October 7, when Alamo Beer debuts...

SA Foodbank and the Military Family Advisory Network distribute meals to hundreds of military families facing food insecurity

A San Antonio local veteran who has battled homelessness for several years is hoping his story inspires others to donate to the San Antonio Food Bank during Hunger Action Month.

Food insecurity and obesity are two big problems facing San Antonio. The Mobile Mercado is trying to help.

The San Antonio Food Bank is lending a helping hand to families in need following the wrath of Hurricane Ida.

September is Hunger Action Month! How will you take action?

It was a busy and bustling morning at the San Antonio Food Bank as workers rushed to load up a truck full of emergency supplies headed to Louisiana.

As the people in Louisiana begin the long road to getting back to normal after Hurricane Ida, San Antonio organizations are joining others across the country by sending food and supplies to help.

The San Antonio Food Bank on Tuesday is sending its first truckload of food and supplies to Louisiana to support those affected by Hurricane Ida....

San Antonio Food Bank CEO Eric Cooper is among panelists who will join KSAT 12 anchors Max Massey and Sarah Acosta.

The pandemic continues to affect San Antonio families' food security, but food bank CEO Eric Cooper sees hope in kids returning to classrooms.

The food bank is looking for volunteers who speak different languages -- including Spanish, French and Creole -- to assist the migrants.

The San Antonio Food Bank is in critical need of volunteers to help migrants traveling through San Antonio to get to their host families.

The San Antonio Food Bank's mission to end hunger expands to family pets.

The 2021 NCAA Women’s DI Basketball Championship took place in SA this year, though it looked a bit different at 17% capacity. Through a Fan...

The San Antonio Food Bank is asking the community to help sign up for volunteer shifts throughout the summer to keep up with the demand for food assistance.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a vital part of our community, helping thousands of families every week.

The San Antonio Food Bank is one of 16 food-distribution organizations that landed a combined $507,000 grant from health insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of...

The San Antonio Food Bank is sending out a plea for volunteers, calling it “an urgent crisis.”

Ask anyone who owns pets, and they’ll tell you taking care of an animal isn't cheap. Local animal welfare nonprofit DaisyCares, the pet partner of...

The San Antonio Spurs are partnering with the San Antonio Food Bank to auction off a painting in honor of Tim Duncan’s induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Editor’s Note: The following is CityScrapes, a column of opinion and analysis. The past 13 or so months as San Antonio has grappled with the...

Over the last year, we have seen inequities and disparities come to light, including long lines at the San Antonio Food Bank and numerous people losing their jobs throughout the course of the pandemic.

By Rocky Garza Jr.rgarzazachary@student.alamo.eduRoger Navarez, this college’s case assistant navigator from the San Antonio Food Bank, wants students to check to see if they are eligible for SNAP benefits. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or (SNAP), is a program that provides families with a food budget and have access to purchase healthy foods at the grocery store. Under the rules of The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, SNAP eligibility expands to include students who are participating in state or federally financed work study. Naravez said that in collaboration with this college, he is contacting more than 4,000 students who may be eligible. We want students to become more aware of these benefits they could be missing out on,” Naravez said.

The local publisher, Dog Friendly San Antonio, is celebrating three years of providing fun options for canines and has a big goal to accomplish in less than 30 days.

On April 9, 2020, thousands of residents waited for hours at the parking lot of Trader’s Village to receive meals from the San Antonio Food Bank. It became the largest domestic emergency food distribution in the nation.

A local bank donated $50,000 for the fifth year in a row to help keep a refrigerated truck on the road to pickup and distribute food to families in need.

By Kevin D. Romine SAN ANTONIO – Founded in 1980, the San Antonio (SA) Food Bank currently services over 58,000 individuals in a calendar week, in 16 different counties. https://videopress.com/v/VYddUM0u?preloadContent=metadata "Since the pandemic started we've had to really up the opportunities for folks to start to receive food assistance [emergency food assistance]," said Kelsey Goldstein,…

SAN ANTONIO – It’s been 12 months of challenges but also opportunities. The San Antonio Food Bank reflected on one year of hard work feeding thousands of families during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re taking this anniversary of the COVID-19 crisis to bring a level of stewardship and accountability and sharing what we’ve experienced, what we’ve learned and what we’re hopeful in the next year,“ San Antonio Food Bank President and CEO Eric Cooper said Wednesday. “That sector for San Antonio was disproportionately impacted in this crisis. So many of our layoffs were in that sector and many military households were impacted,” Cooper said.

NCAA Women's Final Four fans could help the San Antonio Food Bank score big. Because of the limited capacity at the Alamodome, fans who aren't able to attend in-person, can still attend through a cutout of themselves. READ MORE: Spurs included in new Oreos celebrating 'greatest' NBA dynastiesProceeds of your fan cutout purchase will benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, the Pat Summitt Foundation and the San Antonio Food Bank. The cutouts will be on display throughout the Women’s Final Four. Go here to order a fan cutout.

Eric Cooper assumed the man wearing military fatigues at the San Antonio Food Bank was there to volunteer. READ ALSO: No lettuce for San Antonio man who sued H-E-B alleging cashier whacked him with cucumberThe encounter struck a chord with Cooper. He says that the percentage of people with military connections served by the San Antonio Food Bank has more than doubled from 15 percent before the COVID-19 pandemic to 37 percent. About 2.5 million people live in the 16 counties served by the San Antonio Food Bank. The food bank has provided food, in many cases biweekly, to about 625,000 people.

SAN ANTONIO – In Military City U.S.A., the San Antonio Food Bank has always helped serve active duty military families and veterans needing its help, however, during the coronavirus pandemic, the need is even more apparent. Accustomed to seeing military members in uniform helping to unload and distribute items at the food bank, Cooper said a recent encounter he had in the food bank’s lobby was a sobering moment. “He kind of hung his head and said, ‘No, I’m actually here to get food,’” Cooper said. “Just because that’s the man that I am.”He said thankfully, a friend told him about the San Antonio Food Bank. “It’s amazing to see so many people giving back to our community, you know, because this is San Antonio,” Brazier said.

SAN ANTONIO – Wholesome meats is a new company that is working with farmers and ranchers in multiple states, including here in the state of Texas. Their burgers are products of a natural process called regenerative farming and a local San Antonio restaurant is now using their food to create burgers to help the San Antonio Food Bank. They (the Wholesome Meats burgers) are really amazing,” Asvestas said. They don’t use chemicals or hormones and they always keep the ground covered,” Kent Wuthrich, CEO of Wholesome Meats said. So it’s like it’s a win win win for the community,” Asvestas said.

KMazur/WireImageAlbert Hammond Jr., guitarist for The Strokes, is amplifying the needs of the San Antonio Food Bank, amid the pandemic and after the winter storm, by auctioning a Fender. The rocker launched an online auction of a Fender's signature Albert Hammond Jr. Stratocaster on March 1. The instrument is listed for $1,000 online. Thirty one bids have been placed as of Wednesday. The current bid is $2,500.

By Kevin RomineSAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Food Bank has received a 10,000 bag donation of dog food from Canidae Pet Food to help in recovery from the historic winter storm Uri. In the past year, Canidae has donated over half a million pounds of kibble to San Antonio area canines. “The San Antonio Food Bank is the largest distributor of pet food to low-income families in the region” stated Cooper. The San Antonio Food Bank has 16 pet donations drop off sites in the San Antonio area. Car lines at the San Antonio Food Bank on February 19, 2021, photo from @safoodbankFor more information on how you can help or donate to the San Antonio Food Bank, visit their website or reach out to Heather Stanton at hstanton@safoodbank.org.

On Thursday, the Denver, Colorado-based company announced in a news release it plans to donate nearly 250,000 pounds of produce to food banks across Texas. The restaurant chain said it will give the San Antonio Food Bank 67,000 pounds of mixed greens, which will provide almost 58,500 meals to the local community. To accomplish this, the chain said it teamed up with The Farmlink Project, which is a nonprofit grassroots movement founded by college students who connect farms with food banks to help eliminate food waste and feed those in need. These efforts are coming to help Texas during a time when many are still scrambling to find food and water after the freezing temperatures created chaos in the state. With Chipotle stepping in, it will help limit the food scarcity in Texas.

We discovered this incredible beef purveyor, 44 Farms, and threw a few burgers on the menu, just to sort of showcase that product. A few took off, and the Pop It Like It’s Hot Burger [The Dogfather’s Burger Week specialty sando] was one of those. We want to provide a version of those mainstream trends to SA in a way that’s our style.I appreciate that, definitely. Sometimes the burger isn’t going to be as strong as the dog, or vice versa, it just happens. But the cool thing about some of our feature burgers is that they only last a week, and we hardly ever bring them back.

Volunteers hand out water at a San Antonio Food Bank drive-through food distribution site held at Rackspace Technology, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO – Water distribution sites across San Antonio and Bexar County will continue to operate from now through March 6. As announced Sunday, the distribution sites will be operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Listed below are the drive-up bottled water distribution sites:Wheatley Heights Sports Complex – 200 Noblewood Dr.Brooks – Challenger Dr. @ Research PlaceTexas A&M University - San Antonio - Main Campus – One University WayPort San Antonio – 205 Billy Mitchell Blvd. RELATED: Here are the water, food distribution centers open in the San Antonio area

There's more time for San Antonians to dine out while supporting Black-owned restaurants and the San Antonio Food Bank. Black Restaurant Week San Antonio (BRWSA), which grew to include 30 eateries and vendors in the third installment, was extended to become a two-week event on Thursday, per an announcement by retired Spurs legend Tim Duncan, who is donating to the cause. RELATED: Spurs legend Tim Duncan giving Black Restaurant Week San Antonio an assistValero Energy Foundation also joined the Tim Duncan Foundation in the effort for the extension. RELATED: 30 restaurants participating in the largest Black Restaurant Week San AntonioGuerra said he has not received a total for how much has been raised so far. "Together we can make this the biggest week in the nation in supporting black-owned restaurants," Duncan said in the announcement.

To help the community during this difficult time, KSAT12 recently donated $25,000 towards the Let’s Help SA fund. By donating $25,000 to the “Let’s Help SA” project with Morgan’s Wonderland, we can help the city get back on the road to healing. These organizations are SAMMinistries, the San Antonio Food Bank and Haven for Hope. Haven for Hope provides, coordinates and delivers an efficient system of care for people experiencing homelessness in San Antonio. AdThe Let’s Help SA emergency fund will be open for donations through 11:59 pm this Sunday, February 28.

SAN ANTONIO – Eric Cooper, San Antonio Food Bank president and CEO, took a surprise call from the White House regarding the food bank’s food and water response following last week’s winter storm. According to a statement by the food bank, Cooper stopped between separate food distributions on Wednesday and ate at Whataburger when Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman of the United States and husband to Vice President Kamala Harris, called him. The food bank said Emhoff wanted to check on San Antonio and the organization’s response effort. He shared the challenges of water and the fragility of the power grid that crippled so many,” the San Antonio Food Bank said in a statement to KSAT. He mentioned the selfless volunteers and the incredible donors of food, water and funds.

SAN ANTONIO – The Insurance Council of Texas is predicting that the winter storm that walloped Texas this month could be the costliest winter storm in state history. Many people in San Antonio and across Texas are dealing with problems caused by the snow, ice and frigid temperatures. In San Antonio, $100,000 is going to support Haven for Hope and the San Antonio Food Bank. AdH-E-BH-E-B announced a donation of $1 million to support 18 Texas food banks. AdToyotaToyota has donated $1 million to help Texas recover from the winter storm damage, including $300,000 in San Antonio.

These organizations are SAMMinistries, the San Antonio Food Bank and Haven for Hope. The San Antonio Food Bank provides food to those in need. AdHaven for Hope provides, coordinates and delivers an efficient system of care for people experiencing homelessness in San Antonio. To help the community during this difficult time, KSAT12 recently donated $25,000 towards the Let’s Help SA fund. By donating $25,000 to the “Let’s Help SA” project with Morgan’s Wonderland, we can help the city get back on the road to healing.

SAN ANTONIO – Actress and philanthropist Eva Longoria helped deliver items to San Antonio residents who have been affected by last week’s winter storm and the coronavirus pandemic. The Texas actress joined the San Antonio Food Bank in handing out food, water and pet food, among other items, on Monday afternoon. Money donated to the emergency fund will be distributed to the San Antonio Food Bank, SAMMinistries and Haven for Hope, said Gordon Hartman, of Morgan’s Wonderland and Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusion Foundation, which will spearhead and seek donations from the community. AdThe first $500,000 in donations will be matched by The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, The Harvey E. Najim Family Foundation and the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation, Hartman said. Full Screen Full Screen 1 / 12 Eva Longoria teamed up with the San Antonio Food Bank on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, to deliver items to San Antonio residents.

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Food Bank is serving up relief for thousands of people in South Texas who have been impacted by the historic winter weather this past week. With the wintry conditions behind us in Texas and the San Antonio region, residents are looking to restock their fridges and water supply. The food bank’s network of food pantries and mobile food distributions remains fully operational and open to the public for help. AdEvery $1 donated to the food bank provides seven meals. If you are interested in signing up to help in the next city-wide distribution event with the SA Food Bank, you can preregister here.

SAN ANTONIO – Black Restaurant Week is underway across San Antonio and the event is getting an assist from the Tim Duncan Foundation. The foundation and the San Antonio Spurs official nonprofit, Spurs Give, are partnering with the San Antonio Food Bank to feed those in need. More than 30 San Antonio restaurants, food trucks and vendors are taking part in Black Restaurant Week which runs through Sunday, Feb. 28. The Food Bank is hoping to raise $2.5 million in extra food and funds before the end of the month. You can find more information about BRWSA events and specials here or information on the San Antonio Food Bank here.

3 1 of 3 Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Google Maps Show More Show Less 3 of 3Bottled water sites run by the city in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank and Bexar County will begin passing out bottled water on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.Beginning Sunday, distribution will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will operate daily through March 6. Limit one case of bottled water per household, per day.

The San Antonio Food Bank needs 500 volunteers to help with mobile food distribution through the weekend. Both volunteers and those needing food are asked to register online, but it is not a requirement for receiving food assistance. People who will need to get in line to fill their pantries can line up at one of seven mobile food distribution sites. The mobile sites expect to distribute enough food for 8,000 San Antonio households. WHEN: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20WHERE: River City Church: 16765 Lookout RoadAdditional information is available by calling the Food Bank’s helpline: 210-431-8326.

click to enlarge Instagram / @safoodbankCars line up for an emergency food distribution in San Antonio. The San Antonio Food Bank will spend this weekend filling the cupboards — and bellies — of local families hit hardest by the winter storm gripping much of Texas.The Food Bank will hold seven mega-distributions Friday through Sunday, aiming to help families restock their shelves with food and water.“We have been meeting the emergency food needs all week for the homeless and those in shelters across our community,” Food Bank CEO Eric Cooper said in a release. “Now it’s time to reach those in homes through our distributions…”The Food Bank’s main facility — located at 5200 Enrique M. Barrera Parkway — will host a three-day distribution Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It expects to distribute food and water to 2,000 households.NISD Gustafson Stadium — 7001 Culebra Road, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Rackspace Technology — 1 Fanatical Place, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.River City Church — 16765 Lookout Road, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.Harlandale ISD Memorial Stadium — 1109 Apollo St., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.Volunteers are in critical need, and those interested in donating their time to support a food distribution can register at the San Antonio Food Bank’s website.The Food Bank recommends those with Internet access pre-registration to receive their food and water. However, those without the ability to pre-register won't be turned away.

Several San Antonio-area warming centers have opened for people without power in freezing temperatures. A map of the centers, maintained by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, shows only one Bexar County location: the Henry B. González Convention Center, which provided shelter and San Antonio Food Bank meals to 220 people overnight. Crews are out treating San Antonio roadways, which remain icy, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The Bexar County Office of Emergency Management secured hotel rooms for 88 residents with electrical medical equipment that requires a power supply. Here are some of the available San Antonio area warming centers:- Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office (9810 Southton Rd.)

click image Instagram / cherritybarLocals interested in supporting Black-owned and vegan-friendly businesses will be able to do both on Sunday, February 28, as Cherrity Bar hosts the city's first-ever Vegan Family Reunion.Hosted by Rooted Vegan Cuisine — a San Antonio vegan restaurant pop-up-turned-frozen-food-purveyor — the event will bring together some 20 small businesses that check both boxes, including restaurants, clothiers, jewelry artists, beauty brands and more.Southern Roots Vegan Bakery, Rwandan artist Alain Boris, holistic lifestyle brand Amarna Nutrition & Wellness and Mello’s Vegan Gumbo are among the confirmed vendors for the free gathering, which runs from 1-3 p.m.The event ties in with Black Restaurant Week San Antonio , an annual event that raises money for the San Antonio Food Bank while building exposure for Black-owned food businesses.The Reunion will raise money for the Food Bank and other community-focused nonprofits, including Black Outside Inc. and The Black Freedom Factory , via an online art auction, raffle prizes and more. More information is available on Vegan Family Reunion's Instagram account

A Schertz firm came through for the San Antonio Food Bank and the San Antonians its serves, with a donation of $50,000 worth of PPE products. Paul Richmond, owner of Richmond Advantage in Schertz, personally delivered the PPE (personal protective equipment) supplies Jan. 13 to the San Antonio Food Bank and its president and CEO, Eric Cooper. “The food bank needs PPE supplies to take care of the volunteers and the San Antonio community. Cooper thanked Richmond and his staff for thinking of the food bank, its workers and its mission. “Most people know the San Antonio Food Bank for food.

click image Instagram / safoodbankThe San Antonio Food Bank’s final mega-distribution of the year will feature a Christmas in Texas theme and include sausage, frozen whole briskets and 150-pound food boxes.Working with longtime partners Community First Health Plans, Kiolbassa Smoked Meats and the RK Group, the Food Bank will provide holiday ingredients to 2,000 local families. Kiolbassa will offer a special “Links of Love” holiday sausage at the distribution, continuing its company tradition of donating 10,000 pounds of food monthly to fight food insecurity.“The pandemic has seen thousands more hurting in our community,” Food Bank CEO Eric Cooper said in a release. “Our three partners for this final mega mobile distribution before Christmas bring both hope and meal ingredients to our hurting neighbors, and we could not be more grateful.”The mega-distribution will take place Tuesday, December 22, at the Alamodome.

click to enlarge Facebook / San Antonio Food BankAs this shitshow of a year comes to a close, it's safe to say that we can all use some positive news.That positive news comes to us from the Texas Comptroller’s Office, which helped the San Antonio Food Bank discover enough unclaimed property to provide nearly 140,000 meals to the community, KSAT reports.“The Feeding Texas network of food banks, along with partners around the state, has been working tirelessly to meet the increased need, and we’re pleased to assist their efforts,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar told the TV station. “Every dollar can go a long way in helping needy Texans make ends meet during these unprecedented times ..."The Feeding Texas network works with 21 member food banks, assisting over 4 million Texans annually with food and resources to fight hunger in the Lone Star State.The Comptroller’s Office told KSAT that unclaimed property for food banks could include utility deposits, uncashed checks and refunds from vendors.In the SA Food Bank’s case, those numbers added up to more than $19,000 — enough cash to provide nearly 140,000 meals to families in its 16-county service area.“It’s a bit of a Christmas miracle to get a gift of unclaimed property via the state Comptroller’s office,” Eric Cooper, CEO and president of the San Antonio Food Bank, told the station.

click to enlarge Twitter / @safoodbankVolunteers unload pallets at a recent San Antonio Food Bank distribution. San Antonio Food BankEasterseals Rehabilitation Center, San AntonioGoodwill Industries of San AntonioYWCA San AntonioLiftFundPalo Alto CollegeUnited Way of San Antonio and Bexar CountySeven San Antonio nonprofits received donations from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, who announced Tuesday that she'd given away $4.2 billion in the past four months.In an article posted on Medium , Scott — the ex-wife of Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos — unveiled the gifts she'd made to 384 organizations, including the following in the Alamo City:Scott's San Antonio donations included $20 million to the United Way of San Antonio, $10 million to small-business lender LiftFund and an “eight-figure gift” to Palo Alto College, according to the San Antonio Report “This pandemic has been a wrecking ball in the lives of Americans already struggling,” Scott wrote in her piece on Medium. “Economic losses and health outcomes alike have been worse for women, for people of color, and for people living in poverty. Meanwhile, it has substantially increased the wealth of billionaires.”

click image Pexels / Oleg Magnihas reported that retailers, police departments and loss prevention researchers are seeing a nationwide spike in theft of food and hygiene products — data that starkly illustrates the ever-increasing need for federal relief.Thereports that shoplifting is up markedly since the pandemic began — at much higher levels than in past economic crises — but what’s distinctive about this trend is the fact that staples such as bread, pasta and baby formula are what’s being taken.“2020 has been extra difficult because of the coronavirus pandemic,” SA Food Bank CEO Eric Cooper said in September . “We’re seeing more families — those who never thought they’d be in this situation — coming in for help.”The San Antonio Food Bank has seen a rapid increase in need during the pandemic, as more than 625,000 people in the organization’s 16-county service area have received food bank assistance since March “It’s become much harder during the pandemic,” one Washington, D.C. grocery store operator told the. “People will say, ‘I was just hungry.’ And then what do you do?”Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 54 million Americans will struggle with hunger this year — a 45% increase from 2019.While several federal food programs provided billions of dollars in fresh produce, dairy and meat to food banks nationwide, those programs are set to expire at the end of the year — just weeks away.The USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program is one of the largest federal efforts, providing organizations like Feeding Texas and the SA Food Bank with food boxes during the pandemic, but it is already running out of money in some states, according to the $908 billion bipartisan coronavirus relief deal has been proposed to Congress, however little progress has been made on the legislation as folks on both side of the aisle continue to bicker about details.“We’re supposed to be the greatest, richest country in the world, and we don’t have safety nets for when something like this happens?” Danielle Nierenberg, president and founder of food equity and sustainability nonprofit Food Tank, told the“People are being forced to steal when they shouldn’t have to, and that’s a great American tragedy.”

click image Instagram / @safoodbankIn a partnership with H-E-B and the San Antonio Spurs, the San Antonio Food Bank will hold its largest mega mobile distribution of the year Tuesday, supplying families with much-needed groceries as well as holiday-worthy goodies.Tuesday, December 15, the Food Bank will distribute 150 pounds of food for holiday meals to 2,000 households, including more than 10,000 donated H-E-B Meal Simple holiday dinners and 40,000 pounds of fresh produce.“Imagine the anxiety the holidays bring, and then add on top of it not having food. It breaks your heart,” Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank said in a release. “H-E-B brings both hope and meal ingredients to our hurting neighbors, and we could not be more grateful.”For this special holiday distribution, registered families also have the opportunity to receive additional gift and gas cards, coloring books, crayons, candy canes and chocolate candies, blankets, masks, children’s books, movie passes, and vouchers to illumiNight: A Magical Drive-Thru Experience The December 15 distribution will take place at the AT&T Center, and will begin at 9 a.m. Pre-registration for the distribution is required at the San Antonio Food Bank website

#tbt to a vivid 2011 summer edition of The Ranger. First, professors and students advise each other. Here are the takeaways: Students want interactivity beyond lecturing, while professors want students to — this is awkward — come to class! Think critically and don’t text!

San Antonio College@SAC_PRSAC celebrates Women’s History Month throughout March! Join us for the opening event, “Pandemic Protests: A Panel Discussion,” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 3. Pre-register at: https://bit.ly/3bcX5QA

Speech adjunct Jessica Torres shows her employee ID through a screen to a staff member of the office of technology services Jan. 14 in Moody. Torres had a scheduled appointment to rent a camera kit from OTS. To rent equipment, the first step is to visit http://www.alamo.edu/sac/OTS.

Eric Cooper, CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, told CNBC that his Texas food bank now feeds double the amount of people it used to compared to before the coronavirus pandemic gripped the United States. Cooper's food bank serves eight semi-truck loads of food per day to people in need. Organizers at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank say that one in four people can't meet their basic food needs. As food insecurity rises, federal funding has been critical with the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which provided $850 million to food banks this year. Cooper said that if someone wanted to help, they should visit FeedingAmerica.org, find their local food bank, and get involved through donating food, volunteering or making a financial contribution.

Food Bank drive-through event Nov. 5, 2020 ◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 7 Roger Naravez, this college’s case assistant navigator from the Food Bank, instructs volunteers on how to separate donations for individual boxes. Rocky Garza Jr.By Rocky Garza Jr.sac-ranger@alamo.eduThe San Antonio Food Bank needs volunteers for food packing and distribution at drive-through events. Roger Naravez, this college’s case assistant navigator from the Food Bank, said funding for workers ended in October and the Food Bank now relies on volunteers. ShiftSmart was able to use personnel who lost their jobs or hours or were furloughed and sent these individuals to the Food Bank. For more information on volunteering with the San Antonio Food Bank, visit www.safoodbank.org/ways-to-help/give-time/.

click image Instagram / sweetparisSweet Paris Crêperie and Café is launching a Holiday for Hunger initiative, designating a portion of proceeds from two holiday crêpes to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank and Culinaria.The Turkey Cran crêpe features roasted turkey, brie cheese, bacon, spinach, fresh cranberry sauce, walnuts and dried cranberries for $10.95. The kid-friendly Grinch crêpe is a sticky-sweet combination of sweetened cream cheese, strawberries, red and green M&Ms, and dulce de leche for $9.95. The crêpe will delight kiddos with its grinchy green batter.The Holiday for Hunger effort will begin November 27 and run through December 23 and — like any quirky made-for-TV movie — there’s a secret code. Guests must say “Holiday for Hunger” when ordering for their contribution to be activated.The San Antonio Food Bank fights hunger in 16 counties and serves 58,000 individuals a week in one of the largest service areas in Texas. Sweet Paris regularly aids the Food Bank’s Kid’s Café and Backpack programs.Culinaria is a San Antonio-based nonprofit that supports local dining establishments through its Emergency Relief Fund, and individual scholarships through its endowment fund.Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café is located at 15900 La Cantera Pkwy, Suite 19160, and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from Noon to 6 p.m.

click image Instagram / tobincentersaNext week, the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts’ volunteer group Tobin Cares will host its third-annual Thanksgiving Drive-By Food Drive to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank.This year, participants will drive away with warm, fuzzy holiday feelings —a special 2020 Fiesta Medal commemorating the performing arts center’s fifth year in operation.The drive will take place this Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., when Tobin Cares staff members will be curbside to receive food donations.According to a Texas Public Radio report, more than 1 in 10 Texans have turned to food banks and charity food programs to feed themselves since the onset of the pandemic.The San Antonio Food Bank — in collaboration with more than 500 partner agencies such as Tobin Cares — provides assistance to more than 58,000 individuals each week, offering food assistance and distribution as well as job and federal benefits assistance.

click image Instagram / safoodbankThe 10th annual San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot, a key fundraiser for the nonprofit, is going virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The event usually takes place downtown on Thanksgiving Day, but Food Bank CEO Eric Cooper says he's optimistic that the virtual nature of this year’s run will actually yield more participation.“While we truly miss the annual event from the H-E-B headquarters and Commander’s House, this virtual event means that so many more can participate,” Cooper said in a release. “We would expect more than 5,000 in-person, but this virtual option to run or walk a 5K means that anyone can participate from anywhere they happen to be on Thanksgiving Day. We hope to see families participate with multi-generations that have never come downtown for the race.”Those who want to take part can register at the SA Food Bank website . Each registration fee will pay for a turkey that will be donated to the Food Bank and distributed to needy families.In turn, trotters will receive a running shirt, finisher’s medal and more as part of their registration. They can also opt to provide more than the one turkey.The organizers encourage participants to share day-of photos on their social media platform of choice and tag the San Antonio Food Bank.

click to enlarge Instagram / cre8amealIn emails to federal officials, event planner-turned-government contractor Gregorio Palomino said his company had a 12-year relationship with the San Antonio Food Bank, a claim the nonprofit refutes, according to a new Express-News investigation. The revelation comes months after Palomino’s San Antonio-based company, CRE8AD8, won a controversial $39 million contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farmers to Families Food Box Program to distribute food to needy families. Eric Cooper, CEO and president of the Food Bank, told thethat the first he had heard of CRE8AD8 was May 8, when the USDA announced that the company had received the contract.“I had never heard of them, didn’t know who it was,” Cooper said in an interview with the newspaper.Thereports that Palomino contacted the Food Bank shortly after learning of the award, saying that his company had “selected the SAFB due to my relationship with you all over the last 12-plus years, as well as with former and current employees who know me personally.”Cooper told thethat his staff could find no record of a relationship between Palomino and the Food Bank.“When you say you are a supporter, generally we define that as someone that is donating food and time through volunteerism or making a financial contribution, and we could not find that Greg Palomino had done any of those three things,” Cooper said.However, Palomino told thethat he had “written proof of contact and acknowledgment of communication, including time-stamp” from the Food Bank before CRE8AD8 submitted its proposal to the USDA.Palomino also maintained that he has “taped recordings with the SAFB” in which Cooper acknowledges that communication between the two entities “existed before [CRE8AD8] submitted [its] proposal.”Thereports that Palomino didn’t provide any of the above-mentioned proof to the paper. However, the paper said CRE8AD8 has submitted “written proof of documentation” to a congressional panel conducting a probe of the USDA's food box program.Palomino has been under a microscope since CRE8AD8 improbably landed its massive federal contract despite a lack of food-logistics experience. Media outlets have reported on the firm's history of questionable claims about past clients, alleged lack of licensing and its inability to deliver on terms of its deal with the USDA.

click image Instagram / ulisanantonioGreenies Urban FarmThursday morning, the first plants were introduced to the soil at Bexar County's new Greenies Urban Farm, a plot of land that will provide produce to the San Antonio Food Bank and local food pantries.A short distance west of the AT&T Center, the once-vacant, 10-acre span of land has been transformed into a greenspace that will eventually include demonstration and teaching gardens, an outdoor classroom and kitchen, a 300-person event center, farmer’s market and more, according to a release.Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert joined SA Food Bank CEO Eric Cooper and District Extension Administrator of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Michael Haynes to plant the first of many cool-weather vegetables to commemorate the completion of the first phase of the project.Greenies Urban Farm is located in the vacant lot across from 1604 Sherman, behind Wheatley Middle School on San Antonio’s East Side.

click image Instagram / shopnorthstarNorth Star Mall staff and volunteers will run a collection drive for the San Antonio Food Bank this month, using Fiesta medals commemorating the 40th anniversary of the World’s Largest Cowboy Boots as a donation incentive.The mall's iconic 35-foot-tall art installation — along with the memory of its creator, the late Bob "Daddy-O" Wade — provided inspiration for its 2020 Fiesta medal. However, the pandemic affected its plans for giving them out.“It was our intent to offer the medals during Fiesta, but no one could foresee the impact of COVID-19,” said North Star Mall Senior General Manager Brenda Crawford in a statement. “This is our way of giving back to the community and helping such a worthy cause.”The commemorative, limited edition Fiesta medal will available to folks who donate five or more food items at the Mall's October 30 drive. Members of the SA chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the Society for Design Administration will operate the contactless collection point at the corner of Rector and San Pedro streets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Some of the Food Bank’s most wanted foods are peanut butter, cereal, beans, rice, boxed macaroni and cheese, baby food, pet food and pop-top food items.

Spurs Give, Tim Duncan Foundation donation provides 25,000 meals for San Antonio Food BankThe Spurs Coyote and San Antonio Food Bank President Eric Cooper are seen delivering food to families in need, made possible by a $200,000 donation to the food bank from Spurs Give and the Tim Duncan Foundation. less The Spurs Coyote and San Antonio Food Bank President Eric Cooper are seen delivering food to families in need, made possible by a $200,000 donation to the food bank from Spurs Give and the Tim Duncan ... more Photo: Courtesy Photo: Courtesy Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Spurs Give, Tim Duncan Foundation donation provides 25,000 meals for San Antonio Food Bank 1 / 1 Back to GalleryThe Spurs Give and Tim Duncan Foundation have announced a $200,000 donation to the San Antonio Food Bank, in an effort to help the growing need for local families during the coronavirus pandemic. Many of these restaurant staff members might find themselves in a Food Bank food line if not for gifts of support like these two. ON EXPRESSNEWS.COM: The story behind this viral photo of the San Antonio Food Bank during coronavirus shutdownsThe meal delivery program is specific to unique apartment complexes operated by the non-profit Prospera, said San Antonio Food Bank chief resource officer Michael Guerra. The San Antonio Food Bank has become a vital resource for families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SAN ANTONIO The Tim Duncan Foundation is teaming up with Spurs Give to help the San Antonio Food Bank feed families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Duncan foundation and the official nonprofit of the Spurs announced they will donate $100,000 each to the Food Bank as part of the new Spurs Caf initiative. The Food Bank will use the $200,000 donation to deliver 25,000 meals to families living in low-income apartment complexes across San Antonio. This new initiative is also a way to help families who could not afford transportation to the Food Bank to pick up orders themselves. Many of these restaurant staff members might find themselves in a Food Bank food line if not for gifts of support like these two, said Eric S. Cooper, President & CEO at the San Antonio Food Bank.

click image Courtesy Photo / Roadmap Brewing Co.Roadmap Brewing Company raffled off their original 15-gallon Roadmap brew system to benefit the SA Food Bank. On April 15, Roadmap Brewing Co. kicked off a month-long raffle to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. The grand prize: its original 15-gallon brew system, which includes almost anything an avid home enthusiast would need to start cranking out tasty suds.Over the weekend, Roadmap announced its raffle prize winners and proceeds for the Food Bank that were worth several times the $2,000 value of the system it gave away.We had 9 other breweries, 232 people and 1302 entries that made it possible to raise $13,460 for @SAFoodBank, Roadmap Brewing announced on Instagram.Other local breweries including Back Unturned, Kunstler, Southerleigh and Islla Street caught wind of the effort and joined in, offering wares of their own to drive more interest in the fundraiser.Eleven days into the campaign, the brewery also announced on social media that a member of the Roadmap Family had offered to match up to $5,000 its donation.Roadmap's monetary contribution will provide more than 94,000 meals to local families hit hard joblessness and food shortages, officials said.

SAN ANTONIO Share your blessings" thats the message from San Antonios Ismaili community as they, along with the San Antonio Merchants Association, held a massive food drive for the San Antonio Food Bank on Saturday. The drive took place at the San Antonio Ismaili Jamatkhana. This is a great demonstration from the Ismaili community really to demonstrate what that teamwork is all about. This is the first time the Ismaili community held an outreach food drive, but its something they said they plan to continue. Church hosts ongoing food drive to help community

Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneSaturday's biggest developments:San Antonio event company's federal contract to distribute food draws criticism from food bank presidentSan Antonio Food Bank president criticizes federal contract awarded to events company[5 a.m.] San Antonio Food Bank's president aired concerns about an events company receiving a $39.1 million federal contract to distribute food boxes, the San Antonio Express-News reports. The USDA extended a contract to an underdog, someone they are betting on might be able to pull this off, rather than an industry standard, Food bank president Eric Cooper told the Express-News. Our values align with the San Antonio Food Bank," he told the paper. "Thats food safety, food handling and helping families, this is our priority, too. Our goal is to source from local and regional, small minority farmers and suppliers, and work closely with partners such as the San Antonio Food Bank."

Silver Eagle Beverages donating $50,000 to San Antonio Food BankVehicles drive by different stations to pick up food during a San Antonio Food Bank mega donation at NISD Hardin Athletic Complex, Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Vehicles drive by different stations to pick up food during a San Antonio Food Bank mega donation at NISD Hardin Athletic Complex, Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Silver Eagle Beverages donating $50,000 to San Antonio Food Bank 1 / 1 Back to GallerySAN ANTONIO Silver Eagle Beverages, one of the nations largest Anheuser-Busch wholesalers, and its chairman and CEO John L Nau III announced Monday they are making donations of $50,000 to the San Antonio Food Bank and $10,000 to the South Texas Food Bank. The employees of Silver Eagle, along with John Nau, have been longtime neighbors and partners of the Food Bank, San Antonio Food Bank president and CEO Eric Cooper said. The South Texas Food Bank in Laredo services Kinney, Maverick and Val Verde Counties.

Cornerstone Church, Catholic Charities helping those in need during pandemicElizabeth Davila holds a package of buns to give out during the April 24, 2020 San Antonio Food Bank drive thru food distribution at Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas. Elizabeth Davila holds a package of buns to give out during the April 24, 2020 San Antonio Food Bank drive thru food distribution at Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas. Photo: Josie Norris, The San Antonio Express-News / Staff Photographer Photo: Josie Norris, The San Antonio Express-News / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Cornerstone Church, Catholic Charities helping those in need during pandemic 1 / 1 Back to GallerySAN ANTONIO - Cornerstone Church and Catholic Charities are among the San Antonio churches and faith-based organizations stepping up this week to help those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. Cornerstone also has provided more than 6,000 care boxes totaling more than 240,000 pounds of non-perishable food and other items to those in need. On Wednesday, Catholic Charities will partner with area nonprofits and private-sector organizations to provide 2,000 food bundles, diapers and masks at its Food from the Heart initiative.