Federal Pandemic Grant Bolsters Food Assistance Services
The Brazos Valley Food Bank recently revealed how eight of its 36 associates have put to use a collective $223,000 from the federal pandemic grant to enhance their food services. With this money, originating from the Texas Department of Agriculture, these organizations have been able to make several necessary upgrades.
Where the Funding Went
Institutions receiving support from the grant are spread across several counties. The First Baptist Church of College Station, Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Robertson County, In God’s Hands in Burleson County, and Sonshine Outreach Center in Madison County all used the money to afford walk-in coolers. At the same time, Texas A&M’s 12th Can Food Bank, The Bridge Ministries in Bryan and Burton, the food pantry in Anderson, and Progressive Missionary Baptist Church utilized the funds for various equipment purchases and site improvements.
The common objective underlining the expenditure is to increase delivery capabilities to vulnerable and underserved communities. After the success of this one-time pandemic grant money infusion, the board of Brazos Valley Food Bank is contemplating developing a sustained fund to maintain this support for agency partners.
Building Capacity with the American Rescue Plan Act
The Brazos Valley Food Bank, along with its Agency Partners, has been actively working to expand their capacity. Their efforts got a significant boost with the assistance of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the Food Bank Capacity Building Grant which was bestowed in 2022 by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
This grant was designed with a specific purview, allowing funds to be spent on infrastructure, partner capacity, technology, and equipment, to improve food banks’ capacities to manage elevated food volumes, particularly perishable products, a demand escalated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Competitive Application Process for Funds Allocation
This lucrative and transformational funding was not easily accessible. Potential recipients had to submit a detailed written application explicating how their proposed improvements would yield tangible benefits such as higher food distribution numbers, fresh food distribution increases, serving a broader population range, or enhancing the experience for those struggling with food insecurity.
Out of the 36 Agency Partners, almost a quarter or eight were selected and awarded. The money was used for a variety of improvements. These ranged from acquiring and installing equipment for digital client tracking, the introduction of a wheelchair ramp, developing a covered area for clients during food distribution, procurement of food shelving and food carts, to road and parking upgrades, amongst others.
The Future of Tangible Support for Agency Partners
While the ARPA Food Bank Capacity Building Grant was a singular opportunity, the Brazos Valley Food Bank, after observing its positive impacts, is considering evolving a long-term funding model. This prospective Agency Capacity Fund aims at continuing to provide financial and material support to its Agency Partners, thereby ensuring uninterrupted food assistance services.