Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley

About

Food Bank RGV's vision is to create a community where no one has to go hungry. Go to www.foodbankrgv.com for more information.

Story

Valley Garden Project
We are currently in the process of starting up a new program, the Valley Garden Project, an organic gardening program to better serve the food insecure in our community.

The Valley Garden Project will be comprised of several parts:
• Demonstration Garden
A garden for workshops and seminars on basic backyard gardening techniques.
• Youth Garden
A garden for elementary students. All produce will go to the students and their families. Any surplus produce will be sold at the Farmers Market by the students.
• Organic Fruit Tree Orchard
• Native Habitat Garden
A garden consisting of native plants and herbs representing local ecosystems and wildlife.
• Walking Paths
Paths will encourage physical activity.
• Farmers Market
This will help promote local organic farmers and gardeners by providing a venue to sell their produce.
• Backyard Garden
A new program to provide families in need with seedlings, raised beds, rich soil, and knowledgeable mentors.

Through the Valley Garden Project we hope to…
• Produce organic fruits and vegetables for distribution to the food insecure.
• Increase self-sufficiency through instruction of basic backyard gardening techniques.
• Provide nutrition education to encourage increased consumption of fruits and vegetables.
• Increase physical activity for the prevention of obesity and diabetic conditions.
• Educate children about ways to improve and care for the environment.

How Can I Help?
The Valley Garden Project is still in its infancy and needs a lot of support in order to get up and running. You can help by volunteering with construction of the garden, garden chores, or by providing financial donations.

Mission

Our mission is to end hunger through our member agencies by promoting healthy living in South Texas..

Products

In addition to our School Tools program, the Food Bank RGV also has other programs like the Texas Second Chance Program that enables Lopez State Prison low-risk trustees to earn valuable job skills and experience while saving on labor costs (an estimated $200,000 in 2007). Trustees pick and palletize food orders for Food Bank RGV agencies.