Join the Food For Families Movement and Feed the Hungry

What's Needed?

Canned Meats such as tuna, chili, and stew. Chicken is also in high demand, along with canned vegetables like corn and beans. Sugar, corn meal, pasta, pasta sauce, cereals, flour, peanut butter, dry beans, and rice are all essential items. These are the staples that will help fill the shelves of our local food pantries and provide much-needed sustenance to those in need.

Imagine the impact that each can and package can have on a family's life. It's not just about providing food; it's about giving hope and a sense of security. By donating these items, you are directly contributing to the well-being of our community.

Where Can I Drop-Off During the Event?

In Belton, you can drop off at Helping Hands Ministry located at 2210 Holland Road. In Cameron, head to Blessings from God in the Brookshires Parking Lot at 1603 W. 4th. In Clifton, the Clifton Food Pantry is at State Hwy. 6th and 9th. Copperas Cove residents can bring donations to HEB at 2990 U.S. Hwy 190. In Fairfield, River of Life Family Worship Center at 1201 E. Commerce is a drop-off point. Gatesville Care Center at 109 S. 23rd St in Gatesville is also available. In Groesbeck, Fishes & Loaves at Church on the Rock 1470 N Hwy 14 is ready to receive your donations. In Hillsboro, the Hillsboro Interfaith Ministry at Scout Hut on 915 Corsicana Hwy. is a convenient location. In Killeen, the Food Care Center at 210 N. 16th St is open for drop-offs. In Marlin, Falls County Samaritan House at HEB Store at 435 Live Oak is ready to accept your contributions. In McGregor, the McGregor Food Pantry / Rhett Revolution at 416 W. 2nd St is waiting. In Meridian, North Bosque Helping Hands at 415 S. Hill St is a great place to donate. In Mexia, Caritas of Mexia at 111 N. Paris is open. In Nolanville, 300 W. Ave. I is a drop-off site. In Riesel, the 5 Loaves and 2 Fish Food Pantry at 207 E. Frederick Street is available from 7a - 8p. In Salado, First Baptist Church at Brookshire Brothers on 215 Mill Creek Dr. (7a - 8p) is a convenient option. In Temple, Operation Feeding Temple at Baylor Scott & White Medical Ctr. on 2401 S. 31st St (6a - 7p) is ready. And in Waco, KWTX Main Studios at 6700 American Plaza (6a - 8p) is a central location for donations. Every contribution counts and will make a significant impact.

History of Food For Families

2024 marks the 35th year of Food For Families in Central Texas. The alarming rise in the number of "new poor" seeking help at area food banks and the heartfelt plea from those food pantries inspired News 10 to launch Food For Families in November 1990. In the first year alone, an astonishing 84,435 pounds of food were gathered, setting the stage for this remarkable event.

In several counties, there were no food pantries before Food For Families. Caritas in Waco and the Food Center in Killeen played a crucial role in establishing food pantries where none existed. The project started as a 7-county drive, with the Waco Board of Realtors joining News 10 as a partner in the first year. H.E.B. Food Stores became the third partner in 1991. In 1995, the Waco Association of Realtors left, but the Heart ‘O Texas Council, Boy Scouts of America stepped in as the third partner. Texas Army National Guardsmen had been volunteering for years, but complex federal legislation limited their participation. In late 1998, the Secretary of the Army granted special permission for them to become the fourth partner. However, in 2016, due to the changing world picture and federal rules, Guard participation was limited. In the summer of 2017, they were forced to focus on military duties and had to drop out. Despite these challenges, television news reporters and anchors have been broadcasting from every televised site, and volunteers from the Boy Scouts and H.E.B. Grocery Company, along with other community service organizations, have been working hard at the collection sites. Food For Families has grown to become the largest one-day food drive in Texas, encompassing 9 counties with 19 televised sites. In 2023, an incredible 2,670,154 pounds of food were gathered, and in its 34-year history, a total of 40,212,964 pounds of food have been collected. This is a testament to the power of community and the importance of coming together to help those in need.