Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley - "Feeding the Rio Grande Valley" - 2023 Holiday Newsletter

THE

Feeding Rio Grande Valley

HOLIDAY 2023

Inside: CEO Letter p. 2 | Positivity Shines Bright: p. 3 | Upcoming Events p. 4

CEO CORNER

Chief Executive Officers

Connie Ramos Libby Ann Saenz

Board of Directors President Linda Guerrero Deicla Sinclair Digital RGV KSCC-TV Fox 38 Vice President Dr. Carlos Margo South Texas College Treasurer Markus Villanueva First Community Bank Secretary Kirsten Vinson Vantage Bank Texas

Dr. Miguel Castillo III, DDS Beautiful Smiles RGV Cynthia Esquivel G. Roman Esquivel, MD PA Aissa I. Garza, PLLC Forensic Accounting & Litigation Law Firm Norma Guevara Radisson McAllen Rabbi Claudio J. Kogan, MD, MBE, MEd UTRGV Rudy Zamorano 2JM Produce Thays Fernandez Whataburger

Advisory Committee Jeana R. Laguna Laguna Law Sandra Lopez-Langley First Community Bank

724 N Cage Blvd Pharr, Texas 78577 (956) 682-8101 foodbankrgv.com

2

CEO Letter Dear Friends and Supporters, As we approach the holiday season, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible year that has passed and feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all of you who have made it possible.

At Food Bank RGV, we have been working tirelessly throughout the year to reach and support our wonderful community in the Rio Grande Valley.

Thanks to your generous contributions and unwavering support, we’ve been able to make a positive impact through a variety of programs aimed at improving the lives of those in our area.

Our amazing community is made up of diverse individuals, including our valued clients, dedicated donors like you, and selfless volunteers who give their time and energy to make our mission a reality. Together, we have achieved remarkable results, and for that, we are profoundly thankful.

As we gather with our loved ones to celebrate the upcoming holiday season, we want to extend our warmest wishes to each and every one of you. May your days be filled with joy, love, and cherished moments with family and friends.

As we look ahead to the new year, we kindly ask for your continued support.

Your contributions have been the driving force behind our success, and with your help, we can reach even greater heights in our mission to serve and uplift the Rio Grande Valley community.

Once again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our cause. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful and joyful holiday season!

Sincerely,

Connie Ramos Chief Executive Officer

Libby Ann Saenz Chief Executive Officer

Positivity Shines Bright:

SHARING SMILES AND FOOD IN RURAL RGV The Food Bank RGV’s Choices Program serves as a lifeline for our rural community through its monthly food distributions.

One member of the community, Sharron, patiently lined up before 7am for one such distribution. Despite the extended wait, she radiated positivity, greeting everyone with warmth and kindness. Sharron’s neighbor, Rosie, introduced her to the distributions. Her heart brims with gratitude as she warmly acknowledges the help, saying: “Facing this, without my husband, is challenging. Yet, when my neighbors have extra, they generously share it with me. I’m truly thankful for their kindness.”

Families across the RGV frequently choose between bills or food. Too many grapple daily with struggling to provide food for their families, yet they consistently find ways to support their neighbors, ensuring that no one goes hungry. The spirit of neighborly love, combined with the support from organizations like ours, is the glue that holds communities like Sharron’s, together.

Sharron extends her profound gratitude to everyone who plays a role. “God bless you all, and please keep the assistance coming, because we genuinely need it.”

Volunteer Highlight: Leonel Galaviz A HERO IN OUR COMMUNITY

Raised by a single mother alongside his four siblings, Leonel knows firsthand the pangs of childhood hunger. It’s a heart-wrenching reality that many children in our community still endure, and it’s this very reality that fuels Leonel’s unrelenting commitment to volunteerism.

Meet Leonel Galaviz, a retired educator, superintendent, and Vietnam War veteran whose heart overflows with kindness, charisma, and an unwavering passion for his work at the food bank.

Leonel embarked on his volunteer journey as a delivery and pick-up assistant, riding shotgun on trips to H-E-B and Walmart, collecting contributions, and distributing them to local food pantries.

Currently, Leonel’s volunteer efforts are focused on the preparation of the Kids Produce Market truck. Volunteers like him, who unselfishly invest their time to help those at risk of hunger in our community, are the very driving force behind our mission.

3

Upcoming Events:

FOOD BANK RGV ANTICIPATES A JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND NEW YEAR AHEAD Christmas is just around the corner, which means so are our annual holiday distributions for those in need within our community. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy a festive meal and create cherished memories this time of year. Your support and generosity make this possible.

Another exciting event to look forward to: The popular local country concert, Ten Man Jam, returns! It will be a fantastic evening of music, fun, and camaraderie to raise funds in support of our mission. Visit our website for more details!

In 2024, we are excited about the various fundraisers and events that not only raise much-needed funds but create a sense of community and togetherness.

A young family that attended our 2022 Christmas distribution at the Food Bank RGV.

To stay up-to-date on all the latest news and events from the Food Bank RGV, follow us on Facebook and visit our website regularly. Our online presence is a valuable resource for information on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved in our mission.

This year, the food bank hopes to serve

1,000 FAMILIES

through our onsite holiday distributions.

H-E-B’s Remarkable Support: Nourishing Hope and Ending Hunger H-E-B Hunger Relief took center stage as the presenting sponsor of Empty Bowls 2023, illuminating H-E-B’s unwavering dedication to this cause.

What truly sets H-E-B’s involvement apart is its remarkable depth and scope. Beyond their generous contribution to Empty Bowls, they channel their resources into sponsorships and anti-hunger campaigns, providing crucial support during these challenging economic times when numerous families struggle with food insecurity.

H-E-B employees eagerly volunteer for distributions and other events at the food bank, ensuring that support is not just monetary but hands-on and personal. They are not just sponsors; they are true partners in our mission to end hunger.

4