'Together we can continue to create a healthy, thriving community': Houston Food Bank marks 40th anniversary

Turning 40 is a usually a time for self-reflection as it is a milestone, according to clinical psychologist Tricia Wolanin Psy.

Tracing its humble beginnings to a north Houston shopping center, Houston Food Bank will mark 40 years of service to the community next month.

A small group of people started the food bank on March 8, 1982.

It's considered the largest food bank in the U.S. in terms of distribution, CW39 reported.

"Forty years ago, when the Houston Food Bank was just beginning, the founders shared a vision of gathering food in a central location and distributing that nourishment to all who were hungry," Brian Greene, the organization's president and CEO, said in a statement. "In the first year of operation, the food bank distributed an amazing one million pounds of food. Today, we distribute more than 200 times that amount annually."

According to the food bank, Southeast Texas is home to around one million people who experience food insecurity. 

These individuals don't have consistent access to healthy food. 

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem after it took root almost two years ago, CW39 reported.

To celebrate the milestone, the Houston Food Bank will hold various events throughout the rest of the year, including a Volunteer Day Celebration on its 40th birthday on March 8.

Community Impact Newspaper reported that a small group of donors plan to match all online donations made during the first week of March, up to $125,000.

The food bank said philanthropist Fred Marshall is helping in memory of his late spouse, Linda Marshall.

“We are thankful for our hard-working staff, past and present; our partners and their dedication on the front lines distributing food to the community; our amazing city that cares so much about its neighbors and is always willing to lend support; and to the generous companies and foundations who support the food bank throughout the year," Greene said, according to Community Impact Newspaper. "Houston Food Bank is fueled by our donors and volunteers, and because of all of you, we are able to continue to serve families in need, providing food for better lives. It is an honor to have ‘Houston' in our name.”

The food bank, which serves 18 counties in the Houston metropolitan area, has distributed close to 2 billion pounds of food since it opened in a storefront donated by Joan and Stanford Alexander of Weingarten Realty, its website said.