UNITED FOR GOOD: A Call to Action for South Texas Food Banks During the Federal Shutdown
 

By Arlina Larson, Director of Development, Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley & Centennial President, Edinburg Rotary Club 2025–2026

Across South Texas, food banks are bracing for a surge in need as the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week. Thousands of households—already stretched thin by rising costs—now face missed paychecks and delayed nutrition benefits. For many families, this means making impossible choices about food, rent, and medicine.

Here in the Rio Grande Valley, the Food Bank of the RGV has launched its Every Family Fed campaign to help meet that need. We are preparing for what could be one of the most critical moments our communities have faced in recent years.

The Ripple Effect of a Shutdown

Beginning November 1, more than 13,000 federal employees and 1,250 active-duty military members in our region will go without paychecks. Meanwhile, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has warned that if the shutdown continues beyond October 27, SNAP benefits—the lifeline for thousands of families—will not be issued on schedule.

In our service area of Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties, that means 310,000 people, including 162,309 children and 51,059 seniors, could lose access to their monthly food assistance. The average household benefit of $350 may sound small, but in one month alone, that represents $53 million in lost benefits—and nearly $83 million in lost local economic activity.

Every SNAP dollar typically generates $1.54 in local spending, supporting grocery stores, corner markets, and food vendors across South Texas. When that funding stops, it’s not just pantries that run dry—it’s entire communities that feel the impact.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Across Texas, 3.5 million residents rely on SNAP to help put food on the table. Food banks across the Feeding Texas network are stepping up once again—just as they always do in moments of crisis.

“Food banks are seeing a wave of new faces and families who’ve never needed help before,” said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas. “We’re doing everything we can to meet the moment, but food banks were already seeing increased need due to rising food costs. The shutdown adds another layer of strain to an already stretched emergency food system.”

Within Rotary District 5930, four Feeding Texas food banks are responding to this crisis:

Each one is working tirelessly to make sure families, seniors, and children have what they need. But as demand grows, our resources are being stretched thin.

The Human Side of Hunger

Hunger isn’t always visible. It lives next door, in the pew behind us, and in the classrooms where our children learn. Everyone is just one bad day away from needing help—one lost job, one illness, one unexpected bill.

At 95 years old, Juanita made her way on foot to a recent food distribution hosted by the Food Bank RGV and the City of Progreso. It was her first time seeking help. When asked if the walk was difficult, she smiled and said, “My feet still work, so I put them to use.”

Juanita spent her life working in the fields of South Texas, providing for her family through decades of hard labor. Now, she lives on Social Security, sharing a modest home with her children and two grandchildren. They do what they can, but like many Valley families, they’re struggling to make ends meet.

Yet when Juanita arrived at the food distribution, her gratitude was unwavering.

“We have a lot of needs,” she said, “but we don’t have the money to buy everything. I’m just thankful for what I receive.”

Her resilience is a reminder of why this work matters—why food matters, and why compassion matters. Behind every statistic is a face, a family, and a story worth showing up for.

A Call to Serve — and to Lead

This is a moment for Rotary District 5930 to live its theme, Be the Ripple of Change, and for all of us to unite under Rotary International’s global call to Unite for Good.

In the Rio Grande Valley, it also reflects the Edinburg Rotary Club’s centennial theme: All In. All Together. Because when our community stands together—Rotarians, partners, neighbors, and volunteers—we have the power to keep hope alive for thousands of families.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Give what you can. Every dollar donated helps provide meals and stability for a family in need.

  • Host a food drive. Collect non-perishable staples like rice, beans, peanut butter, and canned proteins.

  • Volunteer your time. Help pack, sort, or distribute food at your local food bank or pantry.

  • Spread awareness. Share this message in your club, business, or church. Encourage others to give or volunteer.

“Our resources are finite, so we are asking our community and partners to stand with us through donations and volunteerism,” said Libby A. Saenz, CEO of the Food Bank RGV. “Together, we can keep nutritious food on the table for every family who walks through our doors.”

Together for Every Family

South Texas has always been defined by its resilience, its faith, and its heart. This is one of those moments when our compassion must match our courage.

Every act of generosity—large or small—creates ripples that reach further than we’ll ever see. Together, we can ensure Every Family Fed and live out Rotary’s enduring promise to Be the Ripple of Change and Unite for Good.

For more information or to get involved:

Arlina Larson
Director of Development & Edinburg Rotary Centennial President 2025–2026
Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc.
 (956) 682-8101
 alarson@foodbankrgv.com
 www.foodbankrgv.com | Donate Now

#BeTheRippleOfChange #UniteForGood #AllInAllTogether #EveryFamilyFed