H-E-B donated $39,000 Sept. 7 to the Food Bank of Corpus Christi. Shoppers gave the money in $1, $3, and $5 increments at cash registers during the 26th year of the Texas grocer’s Help End Hunger campaign last May and June. Courtesy Photo
A $39,000 check donated to the Food Bank of Corpus Christi will provide 273,000 meals to families in South Texas, announced the organizations director Bea Hanson Sept. 7. The money comes from H-E-B’s annual Help End Hunger campaign.
“That’s something to be proud of,” Hanson said as she posed behind a symbolic giant check with representatives of the Texas grocery store chain and the food bank.
The money came from H-E-B shoppers who used Help End Hunger coupons displayed at check-out registers last May and June. Donations came in increments of $1, $3 and $5, and represents more than a given number of meals. Its presentation in September is also significant.
Now is when food banks across the country prepare for the holidays, when the demand for food doubles. In the Coastal Bend each September, the Food Bank of Corpus Christi, increases its food collection efforts as part of Hunger Action Month. Today, September 8, is Hunger Action Day, established to mobilize and educate about how hunger can adversely affect a community.
Part of the education effort involves “empty plate selfies.” As part of raising awareness, write out on a paper plate, “On an empty stomach, I can’t______.” Fill in the blank, then take a selfie holding the plate. Post it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #hungeractionmonth and tag @FeedingAmerica and @FoodBankofCorpusChristi.
“The symbol of the empty plate emphasizes awareness of what happens when stomachs are empty,” reads a statement on the Food Bank of Corpus Christi’s website.
People wanting to help fight hunger in the Coastal Bend and South Texas can call 361-887-6291 to donate or volunteer. Hanson reminds potential donors that every $1 donated creates 7 meals.
“What can you do to help end hunger?” she asks.
