FORT DAVIS — A community-wide fundraising effort led by the Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County has exceeded expectations, bringing in more than $46,000 to support access to fresh fruits and vegetables for local families.
The pantry’s Fresh Produce Match Challenge, launched earlier this spring, promised to double every dollar donated up to $20,000, thanks to a matching gift from the Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation of Dallas. Local donors rose to the occasion and then some, contributing over $26,000 to the campaign.
“This is a wonderful example of neighbors showing up for neighbors,” said Vicki Gibson, executive director of the Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County. “We’re thrilled and grateful to see our community come together like this.”
The $46,000 total will help the pantry provide fresh produce year-round to nearly 250 households across Jeff Davis County. In a rural area where access to healthy food is limited and grocery costs are high, fresh produce is often the first thing to go from the family budget. The funds raised will ensure that items like apples, oranges, leafy greens, squash and root vegetables remain available to those who need them most.
Board members and staff emphasized that this effort goes beyond numbers. “When people donate to the pantry, they’re putting food on the table and reminding others that they matter,” said Chuck Hummel, food pantry board president.
The Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County serves residents through twice-monthly distributions, home deliveries, and special programs focused on children and seniors. The organization has seen rising demand in recent years, particularly for fresh, healthy options.
More information about the pantry’s programs is on their website: foodpantry-jdc.org