CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Food distributions have been taking place across the Coastal Bend since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
A local church, Casa De Dios, noticed the need in their area and wanted to find a way to help. They heard about the grant by Borden Milk funded by the USDA's Farmers to Family Food Box Program.
Casa De Dios was approved of the grant, and now receives over 4,000 gallons of milk every Tuesday morning.
Once Casa De Dios receives the milk, they distribute to other churches and organizations that distribute food at the drive-thru distributions.
"We have over 44 churches and organizations, that come, and we pass it on to them, so they can distribute in their community," said Casa De Dios Pastor Fernando Ramirez.
Ramirez said with the help from the Coastal Bend Food Bank, the church is able to do drive-thru distributions a couple times a week with milk and fresh produce boxes.
Casa De Dios has already helped 1,350 residents in the community.
The church distributes the food and milk from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays to reach out to working residents.
"We are able to reach our working community that cannot leave their jobs to go get in line to receive the help," said Ramirez.
Ramirez said he wants to help the home-bound residents as well, if there is someone that needs food assistance, he says to call 361-960-8099.
Casa De Dios could also use some help. Ramirez says a refrigerated truck would be helpful so they could reach out to other communities in the Coastal Bend that have not received the fresh milk.