The Brazos Valley in Texas is gearing up for a significant food drive event. On Wednesday, Dec. 4, the 29th annual KBTX Food For Families Food Drive will take place, aiming to benefit the Brazos Valley Food Bank. This drive-through initiative will be happening simultaneously at seven different locations across the Brazos Valley, including Burleson County. Volunteers in Burleson County are dedicated to collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s, Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Hall in Caldwell.

Highlighting the Hunger Crisis in Burleson County

According to Burleson County Coordinator Janice Easter, more than one in every seven households in the county are at risk of hunger. In 2023 alone, 7% of the food distributed by the Brazos Valley Food Bank was in Burleson County, which amounts to an impressive 439,000 pounds of food or over 366,000 meals annually. This emphasizes the urgent need for community support through this food drive.The county's partner agencies, such as Caldwell Christians Care, Elizabeth Lutheran Church Community Pantry, and In God’s Hand Ministries, play a crucial role in addressing the local food insecurity issue.

Donation Ideas for the Food Drive

When it comes to making donations, there are several essential items that can make a big difference. Canned meats like tuna, chicken, and ham are always in high demand. Spaghetti sauce and tomato products are versatile and can be used in various recipes. Cereal in all sizes is a staple that many families rely on. Canned vegetables provide essential nutrients. Chili is a hearty option that can be enjoyed by many. Fruits in cans offer a sweet treat. Peanut butter is a protein-rich choice. Rice is a staple food that can be prepared in many ways. Ravioli and pasta are crowd-pleasers. And of course, soup is a comforting option during the colder months.

Additional Drop Sites for Convenience

In addition to the main collection points, there are several other convenient drop sites available. The Brazos Center welcomes donations from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sonshine Station in Madisonville is open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Pridgeon Community Center in Franklin also operates during the same hours. First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Hearne is ready to receive donations from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Washington County Expo and MidSouth Electric Co-op Operations Facility in Navasota are both open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. These additional locations make it easier for people to contribute and help those in need.Follow this link for more information about this year’s Food for Families food drive. Copyright 2024 KBTX. All rights reserved.