Texas Border Business
PHARR, TEXAS – The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is teaming up with Reliant, an NRG company, for the upcoming MASS Drive-Thru Emergency Pantry (DTEP) 4.0 that will take place on March 31, 2021, at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., or until capacity is reached. This mega event will enable the Food Bank RGV to distribute up to five times more food than the normal weekly on-site food bank DTEP and will serve up to 3,500 families.
“Reliant’s support of our fourth MASS DTEP enables the Food Bank RGV to reach more people, effectively and efficiently, during a time of unprecedented need in the RGV,” said Stuart Haniff, chief executive officer for the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. “Reliant continues their long history of supporting the Rio Grande Valley, its families, and those who live and work in our region. Because of Reliant, our DTEP will reach almost 25,000 individuals in one day.”
Food Bank RGV MASS Drive-Thru Emergency Pantry 4.0, presented by Reliant, will follow the Food Bank RGV’s drive-thru mobile model, with little or no contact as a safety measure following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Staff, volunteers, city representatives, and members of the Texas Army National Guard will assist with the distribution of food. Produce and shelf-stable bags of food will be placed into the vehicle trunks of attendees.
“At Reliant, we understand the vital role that food banks play in preventing hunger within the community,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president, Reliant. “With the recent winter storm coupled with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are thankful for the efforts by the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley to mitigate food insecurity and we are glad to be able to help as we recover together.”
Distributions at the Food Bank RGV will resume the following week on April 7, 2021 to serve seniors aged 60 and older from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., or until capacity is reached. The next distribution, for the general public will take place Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at the Food Bank RGV from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., or until capacity is reached.
Anyone in need of assistance, from any city, may attend the distribution. There will be a limit of two families (two people) per car to receive assistance. An identification and proof of address will be required. All vehicle occupants must wear face coverings and car trunks must be completely empty. Distribution will be first come, first served. To enter the Bert Ogden Arena, please exit on the Owassa Rd. exit, then turn onto Alberta Rd. from the Expressway 281 frontage rd. and follow the flow of traffic and direction from police officers.
For more information on sponsoring a distribution, please contact Philip Farias at 956-904-4513.
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