In Lubbock, Texas, the South Plains Food Bank is stepping up its efforts to combat growing food insecurity in the region. Driven by inflation and soaring gas prices, more individuals and families are facing challenges in accessing nutritious food. To better serve the community, especially those with demanding work schedules and those in rural areas, the South Plains Food Bank has announced extended operating hours.
According to Morgan Baker, Director of Communications for the South Plains Food Bank, the current economic climate has significantly increased the demand for food assistance. Families are struggling with the rising cost of groceries and fuel, leading to difficult choices between essential needs. “Those parents are having to provide an extra 10 meals a week per child,” Baker explained in a recent interview. “For a family with two children, that’s an additional 20 meals a week. If you’re already on the edge of food insecurity, this can push you over.”
Recognizing the urgency and the needs of working individuals and families in rural communities, the South Plains Food Bank has adjusted its hours of operation. The food bank is now open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., extending beyond the traditional 9-to-5 workday. This adjustment aims to provide greater accessibility for those who previously found it difficult to visit during standard business hours due to work commitments.
This extended schedule is particularly beneficial for residents of rural communities surrounding Lubbock. The South Plains Food Bank understands that rising gas prices can create a barrier for individuals needing to travel to Lubbock for food assistance. To address this challenge, they operate a mobile pantry service, bringing food directly to these communities. “We actually have a mobile pantry service that goes out into their community and provides those services to them without them having to drive from, let’s say Muleshoe to Lubbock in order to get a food box,” Baker stated. The extended hours further complement the mobile pantry efforts, ensuring that whether individuals visit the Lubbock facility or rely on the mobile service, access to food is more readily available.
The South Plains Food Bank emphasizes that seeking help is a sign of strength, not shame. Baker wants to reassure anyone hesitant to reach out, stating, “It’s nothing to be embarrassed of to need help. Everybody at different points in their lives goes through different things and for some people, that’s food insecurity.” With an increasing number of first-time visitors, it’s clear that economic pressures are affecting a broader segment of the population, and the food bank is prepared to offer support without judgment.
To maintain its vital services and keep shelves stocked, the South Plains Food Bank relies heavily on community donations. Unlike grocery stores that can pass increased costs onto consumers, the food bank operates on a different model. “We can’t do that, double of what our food costs is still zero,” Baker pointed out, highlighting the critical role of donations in their ability to serve the growing need.
The extended hours, implemented two weeks prior to the original report, have already demonstrated a positive impact. Baker noted an increase of “an extra 700, 800 people that we typically wouldn’t have” in just the initial two weeks. This surge underscores the importance of accessible hours and the food bank’s responsiveness to community needs. While initially planned to last until Labor Day, discussions are ongoing to potentially continue the extended hours beyond this date, reflecting the South Plains Food Bank’s commitment to long-term food security in the region.
For those wishing to contribute to the South Plains Food Bank’s mission or seeking food assistance, more information can be found on their website at www.spfb.org. Your support and outreach can make a significant difference in ensuring no one in the South Plains region goes hungry.
