PRESS RELEASE: Bastrop Food Pantry Warns of Summer Food Crisis

The Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry is calling on the community to lend support as growing demand, rising food prices, and looming food shortages put increasing pressure on local resources.
In the first five months of 2025 alone, the Food Pantry has served over 3,000 neighbors, marking a modest but concerning increase over the previous year, and the third consecutive year of growing need. With the high cost of food making it harder for families to put meals on the table, food insecurity continues to rise, especially in rural areas like Bastrop County.
“Our rural community is facing challenges on all sides,” said Tresha Silva, Executive Director of the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry. “We are not just seeing more people in need—we are seeing deeper levels of hunger as families struggle with inflation, reduced federal assistance, and now, the very real threat of food shortages this summer.”
These concerns come in the wake of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent cuts, including $500 million in food purchasing programs. The Central Texas Food Bank, a key supplier for Bastrop County, has reported a $5.5 million loss in funding and the cancellation of 40 food deliveries, representing 761,000 meals lost. The Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry relies on the Central Texas Food Bank for 30–45% of its food supply.
As the only food pantry serving all of Bastrop County, the organization is preparing for a more strained food supply in the coming months. Rural food pantries often bear the brunt of food shortages due to higher prices, fewer delivery options, and limited access to resources.
To address this, the Pantry is in the midst of a capital campaign to expand its food storage and distribution capacity to one million pounds of food—a vital step in protecting against future shortages. Before the pandemic, the Pantry spent approximately $14,000 annually to supplement the food supply. Last year, that cost exceeded $40,000. They need the community’s help.
How the Community Can Help
The Food Pantry is asking for the community’s support in several key ways:

• Volunteer your time to help sort, pack, and distribute food
• Become a monthly donor to help offset rising food costs
• Contribute to the capital campaign to help expand storage capacity

Thanks to the Mabee Foundation, all donations made toward the capital campaign through July 2025 will be matched, bringing the organization closer to their goal of raising the remaining $400,000.
To donate or learn more, visit www.bastropfoodpantry.org.
About Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry
Founded to fight hunger in Bastrop County, the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry provides nutritious food and essential support services to individuals and families in need. Through community partnerships and dedicated volunteers, the Pantry serves as a beacon of hope for thousands of residents each year.