1 in 7 people in Texas suffer from food insecurity, and 1 in 4 children are directly affected by food insecurity, which equates to more than 4 million people affected every year. Food Insecurity refers to USDA’s measure of lack of access at times to enough food for an active healthy life for all households’ members and limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods.

At Southwest Key Programs, our mission to open doors to opportunity so individuals can achieve their dreams means that we take a broader look at how we can bring stability into people’s lives, so they can focus on reaching their goals. During 2019 alone, we helped distribute 108,540 pounds of food through on-site mobile pantries!

According to the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, 25% of the population in Austin, TX suffers from food insecurity. This is why we’ve partnered with Central Texas Food Bank at our headquarters in Austin, TX. For over 15 years we’ve been a Central Texas Food Bank partner, which means that twice a month we provide space for the Central Texas food truck, promote community awareness and volunteers on the day of the event.

Southwest Key employee Sandra Fernandez said “the food bank is my favorite part of my job. It allows me to see firsthand how we are helping our community.” In addition to the food bank, Sandra said that Southwest Key also provides other health and wellness resources while residents are waiting, such as free health screenings, information on health care companies and dental clinics and other resources.

Southwest Key is committed to continuing to partner with Central Texas Food Bank and continue to provide a high level of service for our community.