As many of you know, HCCM Food Pantry has operated from the same building for nearly its entire history. When I first began working here in 2010, the pantry and offices were housed in one building while the Clothes Closet operated from another. We also relied on an outdoor storage shed that was not insulated, temperature-controlled, or even airtight, along with two additional sheds in similar condition.
At that time, HCCM served approximately 90 clients each week. Families typically received non-perishable food items, perhaps some fresh carrots and potatoes, and only occasionally a pound of ground meat. Produce and meat from the food bank were limited and often unavailable.
Over the years, however, the food bank has greatly expanded its produce and meat offerings. As a result, we developed our Fresh Food for All program, which now distributes more than 150,000 pounds of produce annually. Today, our pantry clients receive a much greater quantity and variety of fresh foods, along with nearly 15 packages of meat at each appointment. Through partnerships with 18 retail donors, approximately 50% of our food now comes from local retail partners. This helps provide food for our Community Cupboard, which was started in 2019.
In addition to food assistance, we have expanded our services to include diapers, fans, feminine hygiene and incontinence products, and our Laces program, which provides new tennis shoes for LISD students. We now have a client delivery program, backpack program, & a partnership with Bombas Socks. We also launched a medical equipment program with Age of Central Texas.
Our facilities and resources have grown as well. We have added two outdoor coolers, a community garden and garden shed, a Conex container for food storage, two refrigerated box trucks, and a van. In 2019, we opened our thrift store, which not only provides affordable clothing and household goods for clients but also generates revenue that supports our other programs. We also purchased a neighboring property for additional office space.
During the 16 years I have been part of this ministry, God has blessed HCCM abundantly. He has faithfully sustained us through snowstorms, floods, COVID, and government shutdowns.
As I prepare to retire at the end of May, I feel deeply grateful to have been part of the growth and ministry of this organization. Although I will not be involved in the transition to a new facility, I am excited to see how God will continue to lead and bless HCCM in this next chapter.
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity I have been given and pray God’s richest blessings upon Hill Country Community Ministries.
