MISSION—The Mission Food Pantry has found a new home at 1400 E. Kika De La Garza loop, occupying the old Texas Citrus Fiesta building. The pantry supports feeding families in Mission and neighboring cities, not only during the holidays but year round.

Assistant Manager Joe Garcia explained this is his 11th year working with the Mission Food Pantry, along with his wife, Manager Nadine Garcia. The pantry is an organization that helps citizens who have suffered through house fires, lost their homes, or are directed to their facility through community referrals.

“We assist community members in Precinct 3,” Joe Garcia said. “Monthly, we have grab bags once a week on a Tuesday or Thursday; we feed 1,500 people each month.”

The grab bags are filled with rice, beans and other basic canned goods. Families are able to take food based on the size of their family. All of their donations come from businesses, community members and school districts.

“Winter Texans help out a lot during this season, they do food drives once a week at their parks,” Nadine Garcia said. “We also always need volunteers.”

The couple said during the holidays they sponsor five full families with a turkey, chicken or whatever the facility has in stock. Joe Garcia explained social services and school districts send families over to them through community referrals; he added they would try to accommodate multiple families as long as donations are available.

The Mission Food Pantry is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. For those wishing to make a donation, only checks are accepted made out to the Mission Food Pantry. For more information on pantry’s services and donations call 956-585-3004.