(Seguin) — A local food bank is severing its ties with another nonprofit group, and that likely means that even more help will be needed from the community. The Christian Cupboard in Seguin says it will no longer be purchasing food from the San Antonio Food Bank.
Christian Cupboard Board Chair Regina Lee says they had a long relationship with the food bank, but it was time for them to go in a different direction.
“It has gotten to the point where it’s not advantageous to us and we decided we need to go in a different direction. While we were with them, it was fine. It’s gotten to the point where it’s not fine anymore. So, because it’s a business decision and not a personal decision…it’s no longer advantageous.,” said Lee
The Christian Cupboard collects food donations from the community, but a significant amount of the food that it gives away is purchased. Purchasing Agent Debbie Balderaz says they bought from the food bank for a number of years, but that relationship is coming to an end.
“We considered the San Antonio Food Bank one of our vendors. We did purchase food from them, and they delivered it to our door. At times, it wasn’t always what we needed. It was a struggle. We’ve had to reach out to find other vendors to help us supply what we do currently give out to our families. And over the years, it just continued to deteriorate,” said Balderaz.
Treasurer Jamie Long says they gave this issue a great deal of thought and just felt that it was time for a change.
“We’ve had issues for some time in sourcing what we really needed because we’re trying to provide a very consistent box to people that’s nutritious. And so, we were really in a position where we were seeing a lot of snack items and just not the essentials. We have been working really for the last probably two years on just identifying some other vendors. So, we’ve been working hard on that, and I think we’ve got that pretty much lined up,” said Long.
There was a time when the relationship was more beneficial to the Christian Cupboard, but Lee says that’s been changing over the years.
“The pricing at one point was real favorable and so that was an advantage when we could get certain items, but it’s gotten to where it’s not really that favorable anymore. (There were) just a lot of administrative and compliance requirements and we just decided it just really wasn’t worth it. So, we’re just going to move on with some of these other vendors,” said Long.
Part of the challenge was the type of food that was available from the food bank. Long says they try to have a good balance of items in the boxes that they give to those in need of help in Guadalupe County.
“Right now, our box — the cost is $40 per box. We provide milk, eggs, meat products like bologna, hot dogs, ground beef, chicken products, and then canned goods and some dried goods that we purchase from other sources,” said Long.
The Christian Cupboard has turned to other vendors in the area to better meet the needs of the community. Balderaz says they are grateful for the relationships they have and are looking for more partnerships in the future.
“We do have relationship with HEB that we purchase food from and they’re very helpful and supportive of us. We also are with Cisco, Laxon Provisions out of New Braunfels and Vistar and we just recently got an account with Tyson Chicken. And you know we order food from them and most of them deliver. HEB I have to pick up, and that’s okay. They’re wonderful and they’re very helpful,” said Balderaz.
The shift away from purchasing food from the San Antonio Food Bank means that more community support is needed. That means more donations are needed to help feed people in Guadalupe County.
“We’re looking for other vendors. It isn’t as easy as you would think to find a supplier that can bring in the amount of food that we need. We currently serve 800 to 900 families per month. And so that means that I need 800 jars of peanut butter, 900 jars of peanut butter, 800 or 900 boxes of cereal, (and) on and on and on, pasta sauce, pasta, milk, eggs, which we have great suppliers for. But as far as dry goods right now, we’re really needing assistance with that,” said Balderaz.
Long says they have made it easy for the community to donate food and money to the organization. She says there’s a drop-off box on the side of its building on North Camp Street, and there’s also a way for people to give to the Christian Cupboard online.
“I guess what we’re really asking is for community support, either monetary donations or food. And food is great if we can get it. We do have a website, christiancupboardofseguin.org. On the donate tab, it’s got where you can make a monetary donation. There’s a link there, but it’s also got a list of all the items that we need, like our top five. So, if we can focus on those things, that’s going to be a tremendous help,” said Long.
Individuals or organizations that would like to drop off food at the shelter are encouraged to come when the shelter is open, especially if it’s a large amount of food. Balderaz says as you are doing your shopping, there are a few items that are in great demand.
“Mixed vegetables, pasta sauce, spaghetti noodles, or macaroni and cheese, cereal — that’s always a big one, canned fruit, soup, (and) things like that,” said Balderaz.
The Christian Cupboard also accepts personal hygiene items that are given out to its clients as well. Balderaz says there’s a growing need for the services offered by the food pantry. She says the costs of everything are going up, and more people are finding themselves in need of support. She says the volunteers at the Christian Cupboard are there to help this community any way they can.
“And we do also have quite a homeless population. So, we have a specialized shelf with single serve items to help that. They can come and get whatever they need for the week and come back again as often as they need to,” said Balderaz.
The Christian Cupboard has been providing nourishment and uplifting lives in Guadalupe County since 1991. It’s located at 516 N. Camp St.