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Staples teams up with Food Bank Network to combat hungerTexas Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples announced Texas food banks have been awarded more than $1.6 million under the Texas Department of Agriculture's Texans Feeding Texans Surplus Agricultural Products Grant Program. The funds are used by the Texas Food Bank Network to purchase surplus agricultural products that are donated to local food banks or other charitable organizations that feed hungry Texans. "Many Texas families are financially challenged these days and they've turned to local food banks for support," Staples said. "This grant program will assist our state's food banks in offering families a helping hand during these tough economic times. I encourage all Texans to support their local food bank by volunteering their time or making a donation." The Texans Feeding Texans program helps offset the cost of harvesting and transporting Texas-grown products to statewide food banks. To date, 20 million pounds of Texas food has been donated, including fruits, vegetables, peanuts and venison. "Our 19 food banks are grateful for this grant that will provide much-needed fresh Texas product at a time when demand is exceedingly high," said Barbara Anderson, state director, Texas Food Bank Network. "We appreciate Commissioner Staples' dedication to this program that helps farmers and enables food banks to offer nutritious choices to Texans in need." Today, nearly one in four Texas children lives in poverty and nearly 19 percent of Texas households are food insecure, making the Lone Star State one of the nation's leaders for food insecurity. It is estimated that nearly 18 percent of Texans, or over 4.2 million people, do not have access to enough food to fully meet basic needs at all times. It is estimated that over 28 percent of Texas children, nearly 1.9 million kids, are also food insecure. (Source: Feeding America, Map the Meal Gap)
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