Laredo Regional Food Bank continues
to serve the community

By Sandra Iruegas

According to statistics of the Census Bureau and the United States Department of Agriculture, Texas ranks second in the nation in the number of people who live in hunger. A study by American Second Harvest revealed that 12 million tons of edible food is wasted each year in Texas alone.
The Laredo Regional Food Bank (LRFB) is working to bring that number down.
The Laredo Regional Food Bank is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a vital link between the food industries and recipient agencies. The LRFB every day attempts to feed the hungry in Laredo, collecting, storing, and distributing otherwise wasted food to those who most need it.
On October 16, 1982, The Laredo Chapter of Bread for the World organized a Hunger Luncheon in observance of World Food Day, a worldwide event designed to increase awareness, understanding, and informed year-around action to alleviate hunger. At the initial Hunger Luncheon, Laredoans from various human service agencies and churches discussed the situation of hunger in Laredo and surrounding areas. On March 21, 1983, the Laredo Regional Food Bank, Inc., was established and chartered as a private, non-profit, tax-exempt corporation by the State of Texas.
The Laredo Regional Food Bank serves senior citizen feeding programs, emergency food box programs, mission centers, youth homes, group homes, churches, other emergency relief agencies, and the community at large.
Food donations come from local warehouses, retailers, producers, farmers, food brokers, and through individual donations. The bank handles all forms of food including frozen and dry goods. The Texas Department of Health (TDH) regulates the sanitary handling of food and the quality of food that is donated to the food bank. A warehouse manager inspects all of the food donated in a processing room, which the TDH has consistently graded with a high rating.
The food bank does not distribute food directly to individuals. They move it along through a network of recipient agencies called "pantries." They currently work with over 80 pantries that are eligible and registered with the Laredo Regional Food Bank to receive and distribute food, 30 of which are very active, and take deliveries on a weekly basis.
These pantries receive and distribute about 38,000 pounds of food a month in association with the food bank.

To the companies that donate to the LRFB there is a direct tax advantage. Contributing to a non-profit organization such as the food bank, under the Tax Reform Act of 1976, a qualified corporation may deduct the cost of a donated item, plus 50 percent of the difference between the cost and unrealized profit. Also, contributors of food are not liable for any damage that may arise from contributions, according to the Good Faith Donor Act passed by the Texas Legislature in 1981.
The 2002 board of directors of the LRFB include Lupita Ontiveros, Rosa E. Morales, Juan Vargas, Shelly Peacock, Alberto H. Luera, and treasurer Rafael I. Torres.
"On behalf of the LRFB we would like to thank each and every one who has contributed in one way or another. Without them we would not be able to help out the community," said director of operations Felipe Contreras.
The LRFB receives a great deal of help from volunteers, including community service volunteers, AARP workers, and LISD and UISD special education students, all of whom help raise funds, solicit food, help distribute food, answer telephones, and enlist community support.
Financial contributions are always needed, along with equipment, and transportation.
To donate or become a volunteer at the Laredo Regional Food Bank call at (956) 723-3725.