THE HUNGER HERO (THAT’S YOU!) UPDATE
How Your Gifts Are MULTIPLIED!
You’re doing even more good!
2025 has been a year of challenges.
But it’s also been a year of great blessings.
Here at HIM Food Bank, we believe – as we know you do, too – that the goal isn’t just to feed people – it’s to equip them. Thanks to a grant from Texas Health Community Impact, every dollar you’ve given to support hungry families is going even further!
In May, we partnered with 2 other nonprofits (Central Storehouse in Arlington and Under the Bridge Ministries in Ft. Worth) to start WOW – Wellness on Wheels.
We were able to purchase a truck to deliver food to poverty-stricken urban and rural areas.
With the grant and your support, not only are we able to provide healthy food to some of our most vulnerable neighbors, but they are screened for blood pressure and diabetes.
Our amazing healthcare providers who do screenings.
Believe it or not, even in the middle of a big city or out in the country, people can live in what we call “food deserts”. There are no grocery stores in these communities. And many of these folks don’t have cars or transportation.
Folks are left to buy their food at convenience stores!
You can imagine the health issues anyone would face living on corner store fare!
Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even cancer… just to name a few.
And to make things worse, many of these families – including CHILDREN – either can’t afford to go to the doctor or there is no doctor in their community.
But thanks to your support, hundreds more people are receiving healthy, nutritious groceries AND the peace of mind from the blood pressure and A1C screening.
Not only that, because of your kindness, they’re also receiving guidance on how to stretch their food budgets so they can eat more healthy.
It’s exciting to see how much these families really WANT to take their health back.
Thank you for being part of this exciting new outreach and making it possible.
“This publication is supported by Texas Health Resources as part of a Texas Health Community Impact grant award.The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of Texas Health.”
How You Helped April – June
350 students per week are being helped with backpack meals and 275 high school students received groceries through the Grub Hub markets…
And because of you… 81 additional food pantries received food valued at $864,281 and distributed to 65,100 people.
“A 6-year old boy was brought into my office. He had endured horrific abuse by his mother. I’ll never forget the look in his little eyes when he was given a Gatorade and a beef stick.”
We’re able to provide drink and snacks to our local CPS office for children who’ve been removed from their home all because of you. Thank you!
– Lisa
You Helped Daniel Make It to Graduation
Your generosity gave him the groceries he needed so he could keep working toward college, even as his world was falling apart.
We first learned about Daniel through his teacher, who reached out to share his story. She told us about a bright, hardworking senior whose world had been turned upside down.
“He’s navigating senior year, a sick parent, and college applications all by himself. No teenager should have to carry that.”
Daniel’s mother has a terminal illness. Once able to care for herself, she can no longer walk or talk and now lives in a rehab facility. With no parent at home, Daniel had to move in with a family member.
He works part-time to help cover his own expenses and pay his way with his new household. At the same time, he’s figured out every form, deadline, and detail for college on his own.
His teacher told us that despite the financial strain, Daniel refused help for two months.
“For two months, he said no to help. When he finally accepted, it was because he couldn’t make it through the week wit hout food,” she explained.
That’s when his teacher connected him with HIM Food Bank’s Grub Hubs program. Grub Hubs are online food pantries for high school students.
They provide groceries AND financial literacy workshops so students can learn budgeting, saving, and smart money management. It’s a place where students can get what they need to stay focused on school while preparing for life beyond graduation.
Because you care… Daniel had nutritious food every month during his senior year of high school. That steady support meant the money he earned at work could go toward his cap and gown, senior fees, and application costs.
It meant that in the middle of so much uncertainty, there was one thing he didn’t have to worry about – having enough to eat.
Daniel has been accepted to a private research university with a scholarship. His mom will likely be here to see him begin his college journey. While we can’t change what his family has endured, your generosity has made sure Daniel starts this new chapter strong, healthy, and prepared.
Because of you, Daniel isn’t facing this alone. Thank you!
You Helped Barbara Take Back Control of Her Health
Imagine having to decide between buying groceries, keeping the lights on, or seeing a doctor who could help save your life.
Before she discovered HIM Food Bank’s Wellness on Wheels (WOW) program, Barbara was living with a dangerous choice: pay for medical care or cover basic necessities.
Barbara works full-time and lives with her adult son, who also works. But with rent, utilities, and food taking nearly every dollar, there is nothing left for regular check-ups.
Her insurance copay alone is $185 per visit.
“That’s almost half my weekly paycheck. So, I just did without.”
For months, she skipped monitoring her high blood pressure and elevated AIC. She knew the risks, but when it came down to paying for food, keeping the lights on, or going to the doctor, there was no choice.
That’s when your generosity made the difference. Barbara found the WOW program. Because of you, she’s getting her health back on track.
She’s attended every WOW event and never misses her free screenings.
She’s eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy snacks like almonds and sunflower seeds – the very foods that she couldn’t afford before.
“It’s not just about the groceries,” she says.
“It’s the encouragement. It’s knowing someone is tracking my progress. My mental health is so much better now – I feel supported.”
Barbara is committed to continuing, hopeful her blood pressure will improve enough to reduce or even eliminate her medication. And because of you, she no longer has to choose between her health and her basic needs. Thank you!