CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coastal Bend Food Bank announced on Tuesday the arrival of a new refrigerated truck and a $10,000 grant that will help them deliver food to seniors in rural areas across the 11 counties they serve.
Local volunteers and community members are invited to help celebrate the donation at the organization's Senior Homecoming Celebration from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Thursday at 5442 Bear Ln.
Food insecurity remains a significant issue for seniors 60 years and older, many of whom are forced to choose between essential needs like medication and food, according to the CBFB.
The donations make their way to the food bank via Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation and Penske and will help the organization to help them expand their Senior Food Box Program.
The truck, valued at close to $200,00, is being provided free of charge by Penske Truck Rental for 5 years, and the food bank will then be able to purchase it at the end of that timeframe for $1.
Pre-registration for seniors 60+ will also be available from 3:30-5 p.m., with each registrant receiving a fresh produce box!
Food bank executive director Bea Hanson said getting dairy, meat and fresh produce to member communities can be difficult at this hot time of year.
"Since we are starting our senior program, and we are trying to reach out to seniors in the rural communities in the 11 counties that we serve, this came in at the right time," she said.
Hanson said in addition to the free use of the truck, Penske also offered to provide maintainence and gas at no charge to the organization.
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