Local food pantries earn grants

Special donation Colorado River CattleWomen, represented by treasurer Becca Dishman, made a recent donation of hamburger meat to Lampasas Mission, which distributes food to local needy families. Jack Shelton, Mission representative, accepted the gift.

St. Mary's Catholic Church food pantry and Lampasas Mission each have been awarded a grant by Capital Area Food Bank of Austin.

The program offered grants up to $3,000 to partner agencies in a 10- county area identified as underserved.

St. Mary's funds will be used to install a heating and air-conditioning unit and a new doorway.

"During the summer months, it is just too hot in the waiting room, and we needed to make things more comfortable for our clients," said Patricia Jolley, food pantry coordinator. "We hope to start renovations soon."

Ms. Jolley said CAFB provides a strong support system for St. Mary's. "Without that partnership, there is no way we could keep up with the growing demand."

Started in 2003, the church's food pantry provides help to those in need. Food is distributed eight to 10 days per month and is staffed by volunteers.

Lampasas Mission received a $1,148 grant to be used for a multipurpose printer, a refrigerator and a freezer.

"We certainly need a new refrigerator and freezer, and our computer is running on about one leg," said Bonnie Lawrence, pantry coordinator for Lampasas Mission. "It means a lot to us to have new equipment."

Mrs. Lawrence said it is the first time her organization wrote and received a grant. "It was a group project, and it makes you feel good when you accomplish something. We are very excited about it."

Lampasas Mission is a non-profit food pantry that addresses the spiritual and physical needs of Lampasas County families.

Capital Area Food Bank's mission is to feed the hungry and lead the community in ending hunger.

In its 26th year of service, the food bank provides food and grocery products to 370 agencies in 21 Central Texas counties.

In 2006, CAFB distributed more than 16 million pounds of food.

For information, phone (512) 282-2111 or visit www. austinfoodbank.org.