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San Antonio,
01
March
2021
|
15:11 PM
America/Chicago

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Donates $500,000 to San Antonio Food Bank to Support Winter Storm Relief Efforts

San Antonio, TX (March 1, 2021) - Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. – a private, faith-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for low-income families and the uninsured—has donated $500,000 in emergency funding to the San Antonio Food Bank to support their response and recovery efforts stemming from winter storms that left thousands without power, water and food locally and across the state. 

The San Antonio Food Bank has been a vital source of support for San Antonio’s most vulnerable residents, most especially during times of crisis. Methodist Healthcare Ministries has been in partnership with the Food Bank since 2007, supporting its provision of food to those in need and CHIP/Medicaid enrollment for families across the 16 counties the Food Bank serves in South Texas. Last year, Methodist Healthcare Ministries gifted the Food Bank with $250,000 to support its COVID-19 relief efforts which gained national attention. The gift of $500,000 that was presented today, and the nearly $660,000 in annual grant funding Methodist Healthcare Ministries is providing to continue supporting the Food Bank’s Nutrition on Wheels program and social service outreach, brings the total amount awarded to the Food Bank to more than $1.4 million since last year. 

“The winter storm that impacted millions of Texans reminds us that when adversity strikes, there are partners we can consistently call on to respond and provide needed comfort and resources to those in need,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “On behalf of our entire team and the board of directors at Methodist Healthcare Ministries, I’d like to thank the San Antonio Food Bank and their entire team of staff and volunteers who have worked so diligently over the past week or so to answer the call for help by so many throughout South Texas.”

“February’s winter storm was especially crippling for those in poverty. We have been seeing an extra 7,000 people a day needing water and food to completely restock their shelves. This support from Methodist Healthcare Ministries will bring much needed supplies, as well as hope, to thousands across South Texas” said Eric S. Cooper, President & CEO, San Antonio Food Bank.

The San Antonio Food Bank responded quickly to the most recent weather crisis by ensuring the most vulnerable families were stocked up with food supplies, providing ready-to-eat meals to various shelters and warming centers set up across the region, delivering homebound meals to seniors in Bexar and Comal County. Once power was restored and the road conditions improved, they established 3 major distribution sites in San Antonio for February 19-21 where they served estimated 75,000 people with groceries and water. Additionally, dozens of trucks traveled throughout South Texas, from Harper down to Crystal City, to ensure rural counties received water and food supplies as well. Overall, their response effort has been heroic and these additional funds will further their efforts even more.

As it moves into 2021, Methodist Healthcare Ministries remains committed to provide safe, affordable health care to San Antonio’s low-income population through virtual medical and behavioral health care—including food and other emergency assistance during these challenging times. The organization’s clinics have opened back up for in-person visits, and also still offers services to its Parenting Program clients via Zoom classes, as well as virtual recreation & enrichment program offerings to patients and clients looking for ways to stay active and healthy in these times where social distancing prevents in person services. Additionally, regional staff, including Wesley Nurses and community-based counseling staff continues to provide services throughout the 74-county service area.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for the uninsured through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. Guided by its mission of "Serving Humanity to Honor God," Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ vision is to be the leader for improving wellness of the least served. The mission also includes Methodist Healthcare Ministries' one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit www.mhm.org.