Part of the GECU Foundation’s mission is to support efforts that help combat hunger, and that is why we are proud to partner with local organizations like the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank. They work to combat the hunger crisis in our region by strategically collecting and distributing nutritious food through different community partners — because no one should go hungry.
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank is the distribution center that collects, inspects, repacks and distributes food to partner agencies. The partner agencies — such as food pantries, churches, soup kitchens and shelters — help feed those who are food insecure in our area. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as sometimes having limited access to adequate food because of a lack of money and other resources. Family members in a food-insecure household face the tough decision of paying for food or other necessities, such as rent, utilities, medicine or school fees. These household members often skip meals, eat less than they feel they should, or buy inexpensive food with no nutritional value in order to avoid going hungry.
Research states that the three primary causes of food insecurity are poverty, underemployment or unemployment. The most-common triggers to create food insecurity are unexpected changes in income or expenses, such as unemployment or unexpected medical bills.
Currently one-in-four adults and one-in-three children in El Paso are experiencing food insecurity. El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank served a quarter of the El Paso community on a monthly basis before the pandemic began. Now, they serve about 8,000 families daily!
In 2019, the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank distributed more than 32.5 million pounds of food in the Borderland. From January 2020 to May 2020, El Paso Food Bank distributed more than 50 million pounds of food — 15 million pounds of food were delivered in May alone. The El Paso Food Bank and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger are able to help so many families but the need continues to increase.
HOW CAN I MAKE AN IMPACT?
Your support of the GECU Foundation supports organizations such as the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank! The GECU Foundation has donated $60,000 in 2020 and you could be a part of the impact that organizations like this one make in the community.
Click here to learn more about the GECU Foundation* and to join us in supporting other charitable causes.
Volunteer with the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank by calling 915.298.0353.
The GECU Foundation embraces the credit union’s people helping people philosophy by assisting charitable causes that enrich the El Paso community and improve the lives of the people that live in it.
*The GECU Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity established to maximize philanthropic efforts to benefit education, community programs and charitable giving. If you itemize deductions on your federal tax return, you may be entitled to claim your donation to the GECU Foundation as a charitable deduction. Please consult your tax adviser.
