Every year, the New Braunfels Food Bank takes great pride in honoring those who have dedicated themselves to the fight against hunger in the community. These Hunger Fighters come in various forms - individuals and organizations that have shown exemplary service and made a significant impact. The awards ceremony, Locally Grown, is an annual farm-to-table fundraising event that plays a crucial role in providing food to those in need in Comal and surrounding counties.

Four Award Categories and This Year's Winner

There are four distinct award categories - Food, Money, Time, and Voice. This year, Texas Lutheran University has been selected to receive the Voice award. This recognition is given to an individual or organization that has been highly effective in spreading the word about the important work of the food bank. Nina Salinas, the development manager at the food bank, emphasizes the combined efforts of TLU staff and students, stating, "The combined efforts from TLU staff and students have been a blessing. The team has been so supportive with advocacy in voice to share our mission!"

TLU's Active Role in the Food Bank's Mission

TLU has been actively involved in hosting several food distribution events through the food bank. Since 2017, the TLU nursing program has taken on an especially prominent role. Amy Hart, the executive and assistant director of nursing at the TLU New Braunfels Campus, received the award on behalf of the university. She highlights the benefits of connecting nursing students to the food bank. "Our students are identifying resources for when they graduate. They go into low-income settings to meet the residents. They spend time at the food bank packing orders and preparing the meals that go out. They get first-hand information to understand at least a snippet of what our community needs."

It is important to note that the food bank does much more than just provide food. It actively works to educate the public, making it a valuable clinical partner for TLU Nursing. For instance, nursing students collaborate with a nutritionist to evaluate meals, assist in preparing them, and then work with the recipients through services like blood pressure screenings. Hart points out, "The students who are present bring a vibrant presentation to our neighbors. They quickly absorb the information for the week and are able to confidently communicate the material. We also wanted to highlight the work we do together with our onsite distribution. This collaboration has been going on for a few years now and we truly appreciate the opportunity to work onsite and see the students attending and receiving services."

The Impact on Nursing Students

This collaboration between the food bank and TLU Nursing has a profound impact on the students. As they engage with the food bank, they gain practical knowledge and skills that will serve them well in their future careers. They learn about the importance of community service and the impact they can have on those in need. Hart continues, "It's not just about providing food; it's about creating a sense of community and helping others. Our students leave here with a newfound appreciation for the work we do and the difference they can make."

The food bank's work extends beyond just distributing food. It is a source of inspiration and hope for many in the community. As Salinas says, "Thank you so much for all you do and for standing strong with us to fight hunger! Your efforts are truly making a difference."