Food Distribution in the Community

The Food Bank of West Central Texas partners with local food pantries and meal sites to provide nutritious food to households across our 13-county service area. In the Big Country, one in five adults and one in four children struggle to meet basic nutritional needs. Our mission is to reduce these numbers and ensure that every neighbor has reliable access to healthy food.

Since 1983, our dedicated network of volunteers, food pantries, and meal sites has delivered vital nutrition to Abilene and the surrounding Big Country. Together, we remain committed to feeding our community today and for generations to come.

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For every $10 donated, the Food Bank can provide enough food for about 50 meals – an amazing multiplier effect rarely matched in the non-profit community.

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Our Service Area

We proudly serve 13 counties across West Central Texas, connecting neighbors to nutritious food and essential resources.

From Abilene to Sweetwater and beyond, our network of more than 150 partner agencies ensures food gets to families where it’s needed most.No matter where you live in our service area, we’re committed to fighting hunger close to home.

Map the Meal Gap

How Does Food Get to the Community?

Volunteer

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Surplus Food

We rescue surplus food from retailers, wholesalers, and growers that would otherwise go to waste — ensuring good food feeds people, not landfills.

Food Bank

Our warehouse serves as a central hub for sorting, storing, and distributing millions of pounds of food each year.

Our Partners

We collaborate with more than 150 pantries, schools, and community programs across 13 counties to get food directly to those who need it most.

People

Volunteers, donors, and supporters make our work possible. Every hand that packs a box or gives a dollar helps nourish our neighbors and strengthen our communities.

Fighting Hunger in West Central Texas

In 1983, a small group of community leaders—Mary Frances Warren of the Texas Department of Public Welfare, Pete Ybarra of the Community Action Program, and Betty Bradley of Meals on Wheels—came together to tackle hunger in the Big Country. After visiting food banks across Texas, they set out to create a similar model to serve West Central Texas.

By January 1984, the Food Bank of West Central Texas was fully organized. Space and equipment were generously donated by local individuals and businesses, and in its first year, 27 businesses contributed more than 225,000 pounds of food, which was distributed to 25 member agencies.

Growth Over the Years

Later the facilities were moved to the present location at 5505 North 1st Street. After three expansions, our current warehouse has approximately 30,000 sq. ft. of storage space. We now partner with more than 150 agencies in thirteen counties covering nearly 13,000 square miles to distribute food.
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In 2020, the FBWCT distributed 5.5 million pounds of food, representing an estimated wholesale value to our community of 9.8 million dollars.

The Legacy Continues

We will continue to serve the Big Country through innovative programs that help raise hunger awareness and feed the hungry in West Central Texas.
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The Food Bank founders had a passion for preventing the waste of food and getting food to people who need it. Founding board members Mr. Sonny Hermann and Mr. John Herod were torch bearers of this passion.

Their legacy lives on through an active board of directors, a dedicated staff, remarkable donors and numerous volunteers who support the Food Bank mission and programs to help our neighbors.