7 Shocking Facts About The Concho Valley Regional Food Bank's New Era Of Independence And 3 Million Pound Goal
The Concho Valley Regional Food Bank (CVRFB) is undergoing a significant and strategic transformation in late 2025, moving into a bold new era of independence to better serve the 13 counties of West Central Texas. This non-profit powerhouse, dedicated to combating hunger, has recently unveiled a refreshed brand identity and a new mission focused on "people-first solutions" that remove barriers to food access. The organization's commitment is more critical than ever, with recent data highlighting the persistent challenge of food insecurity across the Concho Valley region, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The biggest news for 2025 is the CVRFB's ambitious goal to distribute nearly 3,000,000 pounds of fresh food to its neighbors, a monumental task that underscores its pivotal role in the community. This article dives into the organization's recent changes, its crucial leadership, and the essential work being done to nourish hope and provide sustenance to thousands of families in need, from San Angelo to the smaller communities across their vast service area.
The Concho Valley Regional Food Bank Leadership and Core Mission
The success of any major non-profit hinges on its mission and the dedicated individuals who drive it forward. The Concho Valley Regional Food Bank (CVRFB) has a clear, renewed focus and a dynamic leadership team steering its course into a new decade of service.
Key Personnel and Executive Leadership
- Executive Director: Brent Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins is the current Executive Director, leading the CVRFB into its new chapter of independence and expanded service. His leadership is pivotal in implementing the organization's updated, people-first strategy.
- Executive Director of Development: Jenny Love. Ms. Love plays a crucial role in securing the necessary funding and partnerships that sustain the Food Bank's operations and ambitious goals.
- Director of Communications: Sun Cha. Ms. Cha is responsible for sharing the CVRFB's mission, connecting with the community, and raising awareness about the critical need for food assistance across the 13-county region.
- Past Executive Director (Retiring): Lee Pipkin. A long-standing figure, Mr. Pipkin served the Food Bank as Executive Director for two separate terms (2000-2007 and retiring more recently), leaving a legacy of dedication to the Concho Valley.
Updated Mission and Vision (A People-First Approach)
The CVRFB has recently updated its core mission to reflect a more proactive and empathetic approach to fighting hunger. The new mission is: "To feed our neighbors by removing barriers, meeting people where they are, and providing meaningful, people-first solutions that fight hunger across the Concho Valley." This philosophy drives their operational model, which emphasizes accessibility and dignity for every person seeking assistance.
7 Crucial Facts Defining the CVRFB's Strategic New Era
The Concho Valley Regional Food Bank is not static; it is an evolving organization adapting to the unique economic and social challenges of West Central Texas. Here are seven key facts that define its current strategic direction and impact.
1. The Bold Move to Independence
In a significant strategic shift, the Concho Valley Regional Food Bank has opted to operate independently, officially departing from the national Feeding America network. This decision was made with the goal of better serving specific local needs, allowing the Food Bank to tailor its programs and resource allocation directly to the unique challenges faced by the communities in the Concho Valley. This move grants greater flexibility in sourcing and distributing food.
2. The Staggering Reality of Regional Food Insecurity
The need for the CVRFB’s services is immense. Current data on the region highlights the severity of the problem:
- 16% of people in the Concho Valley live in food-insecure homes.
- 25.8% of children—totaling approximately 6,770 children—are at risk of hunger in these same homes.
3. A Massive 13-County Service Area
The CVRFB serves a vast and often rural territory, covering 13 counties in West Central Texas. This extensive service region includes major areas like Tom Green County (San Angelo) and extends to smaller, more remote communities in counties such as Sterling, Coke, Reagan, and Irion. The logistical challenge of reaching these rural neighbors is a core focus of their "meeting people where they are" mission.
4. The 3,000,000 Pound Fresh Food Goal for 2025
A major operational focus for the CVRFB in 2025 is the commitment to bringing in and distributing nearly 3,000,000 pounds of fresh food. This emphasis on fresh, nutritious items—rather than solely shelf-stable goods—is crucial for supporting the long-term health and well-being of food-insecure families.
5. The Strategic Network of Partner Agencies
To execute its mission across the wide Concho Valley, the Food Bank relies heavily on a network of partner agencies. They supply food to local pantries, churches, and hot meal sites, ensuring that assistance is available daily throughout the region. This decentralized approach is key to removing barriers and increasing accessibility.
6. New Brand Identity and Messaging
To accompany its strategic shift, the CVRFB has unveiled a refreshed brand identity, complete with a new logo and updated messaging. This rebranding effort aims to communicate the organization's renewed focus, energy, and commitment to the community, making its mission clearer and more relatable to donors and recipients alike.
7. Key Partnerships Driving Community Impact
The CVRFB benefits from vital partnerships that help sustain its operations. Notable supporters include The United Family, which contributes through initiatives like the Nourishing Neighbors and Feed the Love campaigns. They also receive crucial support from organizations like the San Angelo Area Foundation, which has provided grants for essential needs such as onsite storage, and local groups like Epsilon Sigma Alpha, who host fundraising events.
How the CVRFB Delivers Food Assistance
The Concho Valley Regional Food Bank employs multiple strategies to ensure food reaches the people who need it most, focusing on both emergency needs and consistent, reliable access.
Emergency Food Distribution and Boxes
For immediate needs, the CVRFB provides Emergency Boxes designed to offer a short-term supply of nutritious food. They also host community-wide food distribution events, often held at large venues like San Angelo Stadium, which are open to the general public and are critical for reaching a large number of families at once.
Salvage and Waste Prevention
A core function of the Food Bank is operating as a state-licensed salvage facility. This means they are authorized to prevent the waste of edible food that would otherwise be discarded, collecting it from various sources and safely redistributing it to their network of pantries and meal sites. This process is both an environmental and a humanitarian effort.
Supporting Local Pantries and Meal Sites
The Food Bank acts as the central hub for food resources, supplying local pantries and hot meal sites across the Concho Valley. Individuals needing assistance are encouraged to check the CVRFB's pantry listings or call their office to find the nearest distribution point, ensuring they can access help quickly and conveniently.
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