### Mrs Baird’s Bread Commits to Fighting Hunger in the Rio Grande Valley
**Helping Neighbors: Bread Donations to Support Local Food Banks**
Mrs Baird’s Bread has announced its continued commitment to alleviating food insecurity in South Texas with its fourth annual Fighting Texas Hunger program. This year, the iconic bread producer pledges to donate up to 11,000 loaves of bread to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, a crucial lifeline for many families in the area.
**A Tradition of Giving Back**
Since its inception in 1908, Mrs Baird’s has maintained a legacy of community support, beginning with its founder, Ninnie Baird, who began by sharing her homemade bread with hungry neighbors in Fort Worth. This ethos of charity remains central to the company’s operations today.
Tim Geiger, Vice President of Mrs Baird’s, highlighted the ongoing need for such initiatives: “Food insecurity continues to be a significant issue in our community. It is our hope that Fighting Texas Hunger will help food banks not only through fresh bread donations but also by raising awareness among consumers.”
**Impact on the Rio Grande Valley**
Food insecurity remains a pressing concern in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), particularly during the summer months when school-aged children lack access to free or reduced-price lunches. This situation places additional strain on local families and food banks. The donation from Mrs Baird’s aims to bridge this gap, providing essential support to those who need it most.
“Having access to fresh food options is crucial for families struggling to make ends meet,” said Dr. Teresa Hernandez, director of the Food Bank RGV. “Donations like these from Mrs Baird’s help us continue our mission of feeding families and fostering a healthier community. We are immensely grateful for their groundbreaking contributions.”
**Beyond the Valley: Statewide Initiative**
While the focus on the RGV remains strong, Mrs Baird’s initiative transcends regional boundaries with a statewide pledge of over 175,000 loaves to cities such as Austin, Corpus Christi, and Dallas. This expansive commitment signifies a concerted effort to combat food insecurity across Texas.
**Engaging the Community: How Residents Can Help**
The success of Fighting Texas Hunger relies not only on corporate donations but also on community involvement. By visiting local grocery stores, shoppers can engage with Fighting Texas Hunger displays featuring QR codes that facilitate direct donations to local food banks, including the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley.
Donations can also be made online, where even a contribution of just one dollar can provide up to seven meals, thanks to the efficient operations of the food bank.
Moreover, Mrs Baird’s encourages volunteering as another effective way to support these efforts. The time and energy contributed by dedicated volunteers are invaluable in the fight against hunger.
**Connecting to Broader Community Goals**
This initiative aligns with ongoing community improvements and partnerships seen across the Valley. Recent projects like the drainage improvements in McAllen and regional hurricane preparedness efforts underline the region’s collective drive toward fostering safety, health, and economic prosperity.
The embedding of community-oriented values within business operations strengthens the fabric of local society. By contributing to both its economic and social dimensions, Mrs Baird’s sets a precedent for integrating corporate responsibility with community welfare.
**Moving Forward: Strengthening Local Resilience**
As the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow and adapt to shifting economic and social landscapes, initiatives like Fighting Texas Hunger embody the spirit of resilience and collaboration. They illustrate how businesses and communities can work hand-in-hand to address pressing issues affecting Valley residents.
Looking ahead, the scope for developing similar programs remains vast. The ongoing challenges of inflation and supply chain disruptions emphasize the importance of strategic partnerships and public-private initiatives aimed at safeguarding and uplifting communities in South Texas.
For more information about the Fighting Texas Hunger initiative or to get involved, interested parties can contact the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley directly, or visit the Mrs Baird’s website for donation options and volunteering opportunities.
These cooperative efforts help ensure that Mrs Baird’s tradition of supporting neighbors in need remains robust and effective, upholding a cherished legacy while meeting contemporary challenges. As the program evolves, its potential to enhance local impact and community interest continues to inspire and empower Valley residents.
