Bexar County families receiving extra food benefits set to lose millions as pandemic policy ends
Thousands of local families are bracing for the end of extra food stamp benefits now that the federal government is ending a pandemic-era policy that gave millions of families on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program more money every month.
Nonprofits collect supplies for pets belonging to San Antonioโs homeless population
Itโs National Dog Day, a day to celebrate all dog breeds and raise awareness for public shelters and rescue dogs. But perhaps one population you donโt think about as pet owners are those experiencing homelessness.
How to escape food deserts, food swamps in San Antonio area
The City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Food Bank has separate programs with the same goal: Increase healthy food options in areas of town known as โfood deserts,โ which are defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as low-income areas where the nearest grocery store is more than a mile away.
One year later, San Antonio Food Bank commemorates largest emergency food distribution
On April 9, 2020, thousands of residents waited for hours at the parking lot of Traderโs Village to receive meals from the San Antonio Food Bank. It became the largest domestic emergency food distribution in the nation.
San Antonio Food Bank releases COVID-19 impact report
SAN ANTONIO โ Itโs 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. โWeโre taking this anniversary of the COVID-19 crisis to bring a level of stewardship and accountability and sharing what weโve experienced, what weโve learned and what weโre hopeful in the next year,โ San Antonio Food Bank President and CEO Eric Cooper said Wednesday. โThat 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,โ Cooper said.
San Antonio Food Bank says demand from military community has more than doubled during the pandemic
SAN ANTONIO โ 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 bankโs lobby was a sobering moment. โHe kind of hung his head and said, โNo, Iโm actually here to get food,โโ Cooper said. โJust because thatโs the man that I am.โHe said thankfully, a friend told him about the San Antonio Food Bank. โItโs amazing to see so many people giving back to our community, you know, because this is San Antonio,โ Brazier said.
โThey are really amazingโ: Restaurant using its regenerative burgers to help support San Antonio Food Bank
SAN ANTONIO โ 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,โ Asvestas said. They donโt use chemicals or hormones and they always keep the ground covered,โ Kent Wuthrich, CEO of Wholesome Meats said. So itโs like itโs a win win win for the community,โ Asvestas said.
Water distribution sites in San Antonio will operate through March 6
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 โ 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 โ 200 Noblewood Dr.Brooks โ Challenger Dr. @ Research PlaceTexas A&M University - San Antonio - Main Campus โ One University WayPort San Antonio โ 205 Billy Mitchell Blvd. RELATED: Here are the water, food distribution centers open in the San Antonio area
KSAT12 donates $25,000 to help San Antonians recover from devastating winter storms
To help the community during this difficult time, KSAT12 recently donated $25,000 towards the Letโs Help SA fund. By donating $25,000 to the โLetโs Help SAโ project with Morganโs 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 Letโs Help SA emergency fund will be open for donations through 11:59 pm this Sunday, February 28.
WATCH: SA Food Bank president and CEO takes call from White House at Whataburger
SAN ANTONIO โ Eric Cooper, San Antonio Food Bank president and CEO, took a surprise call from the White House regarding the food bankโs food and water response following last weekโs 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 organizationโs response effort. He shared the challenges of water and the fragility of the power grid that crippled so many,โ 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.
These businesses are donating to winter storm relief efforts in San Antonio, across Texas
SAN ANTONIO โ 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.
Letโs Help SA emergency fund seeks donations to help San Antonians recover from devastating winter storms
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 Letโs Help SA fund. By donating $25,000 to the โLetโs Help SAโ project with Morganโs Wonderland, we can help the city get back on the road to healing.
Eva Longoria joins San Antonio Food Bank in delivering food, items to local residents
SAN ANTONIO โ Actress and philanthropist Eva Longoria helped deliver items to San Antonio residents who have been affected by last weekโs 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 Morganโs Wonderland and Morganโs 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 Food Bank seeks volunteers and food donations to help the community recover from winter storm
SAN ANTONIO โ 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 bankโs 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.
Tim Duncan Foundation and Spurs Give team up during Black Restaurant Week to benefit food bank
SAN ANTONIO โ 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.
Volunteers needed at bottled water distribution sites all week
SAN ANTONIO โ The City of San Antonio, Bexar County and the San Antonio Food Bank have joined forces to provide bottled water to thousands of people across the area. โWeโve been getting by, but this is going to be a big help.โHe, along with anyone who showed up, received one case of bottled water. โEven our pet needs bottled water, too,โ Ibarra said. โSo, weโve got to give him water when we feed him, too.โVolunteers needed at bottled water distribution sites all week. On Sunday morning, Bexar County Sheriff Deputies volunteered at one of the bottled water distribution sites located in the parking lot of the AT&T Center Lot 7.
Here are the water, food distribution centers open in the San Antonio area
Volunteers are needed to help staff the distribution sites. Volunteer shifts are available Monday, February 22nd through Friday, February 26th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers will assist with loading cases of water into vehicles and provide instructions at the distribution sites. Volunteer shifts are available Monday, February 22nd through Friday, February 26th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers will assist with loading cases of water into vehicles and provide instructions at the distribution sites.
2,000 meals to be distributed to Harlandale ISD families in need
SAN ANTONIO โ Two-thousand meals will be distributed Saturday to Harlandale Independent School District families in need, according to the school district. Harlandale ISD will partner with Harlandale Methodist Church and San Antonio Food Bank to distribute the meals, the districtโs release said. โThis week has been very difficult for many in our community, and we know many are struggling to find food,โ Gerardo Soto, Superintendent of Schools at Harlandale ISD, said in a released statement. โWe wanted to do our part in order to help the families in our community and we are grateful for our partnership with Harlandale Methodist Church and The San Antonio Food bank, who are helping us distribute these meals.โSchool officials said the meals will be given out via drive-thru and on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at Memorial Stadium, located at 4002 Roosevelt Ave. in San Antonio..
Hereโs some ways to help San Antonio and Texas winter storm victims
SAN ANTONIO โ This weekโs winter storm wreaked havoc in San Antonio and across the state of Texas. AdSalvation Army San Antonio Area CommandThe Salvation Army is asking for donations to support San Antonio families fighting to survive the cold. San Antonio Pets AliveSan Antonio Pets Alive was forced to close locations this week due to the storm, but their work has continued to keep their dogs and cats warm. San Antonio Food BankThe San Antonio Food Bank is preparing to provide emergency outreach to community members in need after being affected by the recent winter storms. For more information about the mega food distribution sites this weekend, call the San Antonio Food Bank helpline at 210-431-8326 during regular business hours on Friday or Saturday.
San Antonio Burger Week returning for 2021, will include 30+ restaurants
SAN ANTONIO โ An American food staple will be honored with a week of its own in San Antonio. San Antonio Burger Week, which benefits the San Antonio Food Bank, is slated for Feb. 26-March 7. More than 30 San Antonio restaurants will offer burger specials during that time as it returns for the third year. The participating restaurants have yet to be named, but each will sell burgers between $5-$8. The website states restaurants will likely be busy and guests should expect long lines.
San Antonio woman auctioning Bernie meme quilt to benefit SA Food Bank
SAN ANTONIO โ How much do you love those viral Bernie memes? Those viral Bernie memes youโve likely seen on the internet in recent weeks have now turned into an auction to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. After Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders went viral for his inauguration look in a mask and mittens, he was photoshopped into every manner of photo - including some great San Antonio Bernie memes. The success of turning his meme into a way to give back was inspirational to me,โ said Pacheco. She has listed her quilt on Ebay and plans to use donate all the proceeds from the sale to the San Antonio Food Bank.
San Antonio Food Bank holds mega food distribution event to assist families and their pets
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Food Bank hosted another mega food distribution event Friday to assist families and their pets. The food bank was stationed at the Gustafson Stadium, handing out food and supplies. Staff members said the pet food is one of the many items that are heavily requested by the community. PetSmart Charities donated the pet food that was handed out and these mega distribution sites are hosted by the San Antonio Food Bank every Friday. RELATED: How San Antonio Food Bank became lifeline for South Texas during COVID-19 pandemic
โTheyโre counting on usโ: San Antonio Food Bank CEO explains why helping families is a calling for him
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Food Bank is a staple of our community and for more than 40 years the organization has worked to help local families who need it most. And theyโre counting on us to be able to nurse their family,โ Food Bank CEO and President Eric Cooper said. Eric Cooper has been with the food bank for years. This past year when the pandemic hit the food bank and their resources were spread thin. The food bank at one point was serving up to 120,000 people on a given day.
San Antonio Food Bankโs urban farm vital to organizationโs mission
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Food Bank serves thousands and thousands of families a year and during the pandemic the need has only grown more and more. And by growing hundreds of thousands of pounds of food, the food bank farms are vital to the mission. Itโs an opportunity to keep active, youโre outside, youโre physically distant, but youโre participating in a larger project,โ Gauch said. And it isnโt the only site for the food bank farm. Anyone thatโs grown, cultivated or farmed knows that this is never an easy task, but at the urban farm for the food bank there is more than enough motivation.
Help the community by mentioning the secret phrase at Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe
SAN ANTONIO โ Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe wants to feed you and help the community for the holidays. From now until December 23rd, when you order the Turkey Cran or The Grinch crepes, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank and Culinaria. The San Antonio Food Bank feeds about 58,000 individuals in a week and the Culinaria Hospitality Fund helps San Antonioโs struggling hospitality industry including restaurants and bars that have been hit hard during the pandemic. Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe is located at the Shops at La Cantera. Stop by and enjoy one of their tasty holiday snacks and give back for the holidays.
โChristmas miracleโ: San Antonio Food Bank finds thousands in unclaimed property
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Food Bank recently claimed enough unclaimed property to provide nearly 140,000 meals to the community, and the Comptrollerโs Office says more notable Texas food pantries may be owed thousands of dollars. The Comptrollerโs Office is working with food banks across Texas to help them find unclaimed property that could help them fill up their food supply this holiday season. The San Antonio Food Bank had more than $19,000 in unclaimed property. โItโs a bit of a Christmas miracle to get a gift of unclaimed property via the state Comptrollerโs office,โ said Eric Cooper, CEO and president of the San Antonio Food Bank. The Comptrollerโs Office has partnered with a contact at Feeding Texas to match food banks with their unclaimed property.
H-E-B to distribute nearly 11,000 holiday meals to community
As part of its annual Feast of Sharing Celebration, H-E-B plans to celebrate the holiday season in San Antonio by distributing more than 10,800 holiday meals. Along with San Antonio Food Bank, 200 H-E-B Partners (employees) will volunteer to pass out holiday meals to Texans in need in San Antonio. Instead, H-E-B will donate more than 340,000 meals to support hunger relief efforts in Texas and Mexico this holiday season. In Texas, H-E-B will make monetary and food donations to 18 Texas food banks and more than 40 hunger relief agencies, such as Meals on Wheels. RELATED: San Antonio Food Bankโs holiday food distribution location now filled to capacity
San Antonio Food Bankโs holiday food distribution location now filled to capacity
SAN ANTONIO โ Update:The San Antonio Food Bankโs holiday distribution location is now filled to capacity, the food bank announced Saturday. Anyone who is still in need of assistance is urged to contact the San Antonio Food Bankโs Client Services Team at 210-431-8326 or 1-800-246-9121. Original:There is still time and room to pre-register for the San Antonio Food Bankโs holiday distribution event on Tuesday. You can sign up for the distribution event by clicking here. The food bank expects about 2,000 households to take advantage of the food distribution.
Food Bank distributes holiday meals to 1,500 households during โOperation Turkey Dropโ at Alamodome
SAN ANTONIO โ About 1,500 families will receive the fixings for a holiday meal during a huge distribution event Friday at the Alamodome. The annual โOperation Turkey Dropโ is a partnership between the San Antonio Food Bank and Bank of America. Bank of America bring both hope and meal ingredients to our hurting neighbors, and we could not be more grateful,โ said Eric Cooper, president and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank. Itโs the first of two mega distributions by the Food Bank this month. The Food Bank is partnering with H-E-B to distribute holiday meals for about 2,000 families at the AT&T Center on Tuesday.
โUnprecedented need:โ San Antonio Food Bank has seen 30% increase in demand since onset of COVID-19 pandemic
SAN ANTONIO โ You could see it in the aerial pictures of the San Antonio Food Bankโs mega distribution event in April. Similarly, the San Antonio Food Bank has seen a 30% increase. Of those 181 food banks examined by the Associated Press, San Antonioโs food bank ranked 15th in average food distribution prior to the pandemic. In the meantime, the food bank will be there to help families keep food on the table, Cooper said. โIn the end, itโs going to be OK.โHow to helpThere are several ways to help the San Antonio Food Bank feed hungry families.
โConvoy of Hopeโ bringing holiday cheer, food to seniors in need
SAN ANTONIO โ When seniors enter retirement a good amount of them rely solely on their social security checks as income. But thatโs where the city of San Antonio and the San Antonio Food Bank have stepped in, with its regular Convoy of Hope. For 17 years the city of San Antonio has partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank to deliver 12,000 boxes of food to eligible seniors in senior centers. It kicked off on the north side even though there is not a senior center currently in district 9. Councilman Courage said hopefully in the next 16-18 months a brand new senior center will be in the area.
San Antonio woman dies from COVID-19, daughter carries on her mission to help SA Food Bank
SAN ANTONIO โ Katherine Kellyโs mom, Brenda, always answered the call to help. In March, Brenda stepped in to help the San Antonio Food Bank. Although she lives in Rhode Island, Katherine began to raise donations for the San Antonio Food Bank. President and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank Eric Cooper calls Brenda and Katherineโs dedication inspiring. RELATED: โWeโre praying for shorter lines,โ: SA Food Bank CEO says food bank still seeing high demand amid pandemic