excelling in school, and the stability of regular meals has brought comfort to the family. “We’re better now,” Estela says of their situation. “There’s food and there is support. I’m glad we’ve found help.” Ancel has landed a full-time job, and Estela works nights so she can care for little Carlos during the day. They’re still working toward financial security, but the couple is feeling hopeful about the future. Estela says she looks forward to rebuilding the family’s savings. We had a chance to talk with Estela when she and Carlos came to visit El Buen Samaritano, and her gratitude was remarkable. Having faced such tough circumstances, she’s truly relieved to have support from friends like you.
“We’re so happy to know there are people out there with a big heart, willing to give us the refuge and the love that we need,” Estela says. “I’m very thankful for all you do for us. It’s helped greatly.” Your partnership truly changes lives for the better. Thank you for feeding hope here in Central Texas.
We’re so happy to know there are people out there with a big heart . . . I’m very thankful for all that you do for us.
Advocating for our Community’s Health by Kathy Green, Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy On January 8, the Texas Legislature will return to Austin for its 86th session. What does that mean for Texas food banks? We will be communicating our role in improving the health of our clients through our food and programs. On our agenda will be increasing funding for the Texas Surplus Agricultural Product Grant Program, which provides greater access to Texasgrown produce for food banks. This allows us to not only support our local Texas economy, but also allows us to improve the dietary choices of our clients. Hunger is a health issue, so we will be making the case to the Legislature that not addressing it only increases healthcare costs to the state and decreases workforce productivity. We will fight harmful legislation that would prevent qualified people from accessing federal nutrition programs. Alternatively, we will support proactive legislation that simplifies and improves access to these programs. Following the idea that hunger is a health issue, we will stress how they help address rates of dietary diseases. Our partners in this effort will include members of the healthcare, education, and business sectors because we know there is strength in numbers in communicating to the Legislature. We invite you to join our advocacy efforts going into the session. 3