The Food Care Center in Killeen, Texas, is making significant strides in serving a large number of families. This year, it is providing assistance to more than 20,000 additional families. However, due to changes in suppliers, the pantry now requires a record number of donations to ensure its shelves are stocked and can continue to feed those in need.

Importance of the Food for Families Drive

Raymond Cockrell, the executive director of the Food Care Center, emphasizes the criticality of the one-day food drive. "Now more than ever, we need to have the Food for Families drive," he says. "We just distributed 3 million pounds of groceries to 149,000 people. These are all-time records in our 37-year history." The pantry serves not only more than 30,000 active duty military families but also 4,500 veterans.The change in suppliers has led to a decrease in nonperishable food items delivered to pantries. This is why the food drive is incredibly important in keeping the shelves stocked throughout the year.

Role of Food for Families

Food Care Center relies heavily on Food for Families to stock its shelves for months. "It’s vitally important to us," Cockrell explains. "First of all, just the groceries and the money we bring in represent a third of our annual revenue. But it’s also vital to get our community involved and help them understand that they are true partners in feeding those in need in our community."

Donation Drop-Off Locations

KWTX crews will be set up at 19 locations across Central Texas on November 22. People can donate food or money at these locations. All donated food serves the people in the county where it is collected.For those who prefer to drop off items prior to the event, there are several locations available. These include Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Clinic in Bellmead, Bosque, China Spring, Hewitt, Marketplace, Midway, Waco Family Med, CTWP in Waco and Temple.During the event, people can bring donations to KWTX Main Studios from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 6700 American Plaza, Waco, TX 76712. Other drop-off locations during the event are Helping Hands Ministry in Belton, Blessings from God in Cameron, Clifton Food Pantry in Clifton, HEB in Copperas Cove, River of Life Family Worship Center in Fairfield, Gatesville Care Center in Gatesville, Fishes & Loaves in Groesbeck, Hillsboro Interfaith Ministry in Hillsboro, Food Care Center in Killeen, Falls County Samaritan House in Marlin, McGregor Food Pantry / Rhett Revolution in McGregor, North Bosque Helping Hands in Meridian, Caritas of Mexia in Mexia, 300 W. Ave. I in Nolanville, 5 Loaves and 2 Fish Food Pantry in Riesel, First Baptist Church in Salado, and Operation Feeding Temple in Temple.Click here to donate online right now. Click here for more information about Food for Families.