Out of what seemed like nowhere, I received a call in my office from a gentleman who introduced himself as "Coach." He explained how his football players were showing up to practice with some of the unhealthiest snacks, which then made practice even worse as nutrition and athletics go hand-in-hand. 

After a meeting to figure out how Kids Cafe can meet the need for the students, we made a plan that started with the football team and now has become something that we couldn't have planned. It has always been in my heart to not only help the elementary aged children but all kids. I once wrote in my diary of sorts the words that were a wish at the time, "What about the older kids?" That wish was becoming a reality. [more]

You know it's Spring because the weather calms down (allegedly), the trees get their buds, and the winds begin to howl. And yes, while I am typing this it's snowing in the spring. Likewise, you know it's fall because the leaves begin to change their colors, and the weather gets a little crisper. I am so thankful that we live in one of the few places that enjoys (if you don't just pretend) all 4 seasons. Just as I am getting sick of the heat of July, I am so happy to see September.  [more]

Recently I participated in one of our mobile pantries. What is a mobile pantry you ask? Well, in short, it's just like it sounds, taking food to a location.  But, it's really a lot more than that. To some it's vitally needed food for their family.

Memphis, Texas, is a sweet quaint little town that anyone who's ever driven highway 287 between Amarillo and Dallas knows as one of the "slowdown spots" dotting that commute. It's the county seat for Hall County, which has the highest food insecurity rates in our service area. Because the need is so vast, the local partnering agencies don't have the capacity, resources, or ability to meet the need in their communities. That's where we come in! We work with the County Extension Agent, a local church, and local volunteers to deliver food directly to individuals, 12,565 pounds to 215 families. It's no small task and that's why it takes so many groups to put it together. We give them what we call a "family box." It's 35 lbs. or food that will supplement the pantry for a family for up to a week.    [more]

What does success look like at the High Plains Food Bank? Is it equal to increasing our food distribution? Does it mean that less individuals and families are seeking assistance through our member agencies throughout the Panhandle? How does the food bank measure effectiveness? [more]

Here's a breakdown of our 2012,  2nd highest food distribution in our history.  Thanks to the generosity of the people of the Panhandle we are able to continue our fight of alleviating hunger in the Panhandle! [more]

 I am the Inventory Control Manager for the High Plains Food Bank, which means I handle the inventory that comes in and goes out through the Food Bank.  I just wanted to give everyone a little insight on what is needed here at the Food Bank.  [more]

There I was minding my own business in line at the checkout, when I was thrust into the web of a national debate. No, there were no cameras capturing what was happening, but rather a national debate happening right in front of me. It's the debate that we will continue to hear for many many more months.  [more]

Below is a blog from our Summer intern, Julia.  She has worked all summer long, and tirelessly I might add.  She has impacted this organization for the better, and spearheaded things that made our organization's social media better and more thought provoking than we knew was possible.  We knew we have picked the best person for the job when after being here for only a week she requested a day off.  Now, most bosses would be upset but then they probably were not being asked because their newly hired employee was selected to be part of a national competition.  The National Student Advertising Competition is a prestigious honor, and Julia was part of  WTAMU's team.  They placed 5th, the farthest and highest rank any other WT team has ever received.  As you can see, we were honored to have such a high caliber intern join us this summer.    [more]

Poverty in America is nothing new, but for those who consider themselves middle class, it is a totally new experience. These are the people who live in America's suburbs or even in rural communities, most of them educated, who find themselves jobless.  [more]

It's 11:00 a.m. on a warm Thursday morning when the High Plains Food Bank truck pulls into the Hall County town of Turkey, Texas. Immediately volunteers get to work organizing everything from bread to bags of salad. It's obvious they have a system in place that works well because there is no time wasted by this band of dedicated volunteers. Lions Club and church members gladly donate their time so that those who might otherwise go hungry receive a good assortment of nutritious food. [more]