As the help from the Texas National Guard ends, more volunteers are needed to continue meeting the critical need during COVID-19 pandemic.

Montgomery County, TX, –  July 20, 2020 – Forty-four Texas National Guard soldiers arrived April 21, 2020 to help Montgomery County Food Bank serve the community’s critical need for food and supplies, which jumped 125 percent since the COVID-19 crisis hit in March. The help from the National Guard was part of the state’s response to COVID-19. Governor Greg Abbott activated the Texas Military Department in April to help organizations and communities most in need. Originally dispatched for 30 days, Gov. Abbott extended his order through mid-July, having dispatched more than 2,500 guardsmen to serve in varying capacities around Texas to help with the crisis.

Troops have been busy working at the Montgomery County Food Bank’s main warehouse facility in Conroe to help expedite processes by working in the sort rooms, produce rescue center, meat freezer, and by packing dry food boxes. They also helped the staff and volunteers hand out food at the Montgomery County Food Bank’s mobile food distribution sites across the county, which increased from 8 to over 66 sites since the global pandemic struck the county. Their efforts enabled the Food Bank to provide over 1.6 million meals to families, seniors and children in Montgomery County.

“Being activated to help with the COVID pandemic was a shock to me but even more so was a shock to help out my hometown,” shared Lt. Andrew Taylor of the DCo 536th BSB TX Army National Guard. “I grew up in Montgomery County and to be able to give my time and expertise back into the community that allowed me to become the person I am today is very impactful. I now know the importance of the Montgomery County Food Bank and the need in this community. My team and I are very grateful to be able to serve right alongside these Food Bank warriors!”

Now, with their assignment completed, the Montgomery County Food Bank is soliciting additional volunteers to help replace the void with their departure.

At this time last year, the Montgomery County Food Bank had distributed 1.5 million pounds of food since March 12, 2019. Today, by comparison, it has given out 3.5 million pounds of food since March 12 given the drastically growing need.

Kelly Holmes, Chairman of the Montgomery County Food Bank, added, “We are extremely thankful to Governor Abbott to have received the significant amount of hands-on help from the Texas National Guard with our critical mission at the Montgomery County Food Bank during this time of crisis. For nearly three months, they tirelessly partnered with us to help ensure we could meet the needs of the food insecure in our community. We are now calling upon the community to consider volunteering with us to help maintain the uptick in services provided to our neighbors throughout the county who continue to experience food insecurity.”

The Montgomery County Food Bank is currently accepting new volunteers and providing training in compliance with the COVID-19 safety guidelines. To learn more, visit https://mcfoodbank.org/volunteer-with-us-conroe-tx/.

ABOUT MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOOD BANK

The Montgomery County Food Bank’s mission is to unite the community to fight hunger. Last year we were able to provide over 11 million nutritional meals through our vast network of over 70 partner pantries, local school districts, and community partners. We work in partnership with retailers and wholesalers to provide a solution for food waste by rescuing food that would otherwise go to the landfill. As a part of our green initiatives program, we operate an onsite Produce Rescue Center that allows us to distribute fresh fruits and vegetables which emphasizes the importance of our sustainability and promote healthy food choices. Our vision of a community where everyone has access to sufficient, nutritious food is possible through the support of our volunteers and our community and corporate partners.

The Montgomery County Food Bank is a 501(c) (3) Non-Profit Organization with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, member of the Texas Food Bank Network, a partner with the Houston Food Bank, and a certified member of Feeding America.