South Plains Food Bank helps those who need it

  • GETTING READY TO DELIVER FOOD – These employees with the South Plains Community Action Assn., Inc. were getting ready to deliver food from the South Plains Food Bank, to the local recipients. Shown, left to right, are Patricia Gonzales, (service specialist), Nicky Frausto, Adrian Reyes, Amanda Gonzales, and Carol Frausto, the SPARTAN bus driver. (Photo by Ann Reagan)
    GETTING READY TO DELIVER FOOD – These employees with the South Plains Community Action Assn., Inc. were getting ready to deliver food from the South Plains Food Bank, to the local recipients. Shown, left to right, are Patricia Gonzales, (service specialist), Nicky Frausto, Adrian Reyes, Amanda Gonzales, and Carol Frausto, the SPARTAN bus driver. (Photo by Ann Reagan)
  • OFFLOADING BOX FROM BUS – Nicki Frausto hands a box of food to Adrian Reyes, that will be picked up later at the Community Action office, by the recipient. (Photo by Ann Reagan)
    OFFLOADING BOX FROM BUS – Nicki Frausto hands a box of food to Adrian Reyes, that will be picked up later at the Community Action office, by the recipient. (Photo by Ann Reagan)
  • GOING OVER PAPERWORK – Mr. Edwards goes over the paperwork with Patricia Gonsalez, during the delivery of his food at the XIT Apartment. Adrian Reyes looks on. (Photo by Ann Reagan)
    GOING OVER PAPERWORK – Mr. Edwards goes over the paperwork with Patricia Gonsalez, during the delivery of his food at the XIT Apartment. Adrian Reyes looks on. (Photo by Ann Reagan)
  • MRS. COOPER RECEIVES DELIVERY – Nicky Frausto visits with Mrs. Cooper, after her food is delivered. (Photo by Ann Reagan)
    MRS. COOPER RECEIVES DELIVERY – Nicky Frausto visits with Mrs. Cooper, after her food is delivered. (Photo by Ann Reagan)
  • MOVING FOOD TO COMMUNITY CENTER – Adrian Reyes and Patricia Consalez transfer food boxes from delivery bus to the Community Center, where they will be picked up for the recipients. (Photo by Ann Reagan)
    MOVING FOOD TO COMMUNITY CENTER – Adrian Reyes and Patricia Consalez transfer food boxes from delivery bus to the Community Center, where they will be picked up for the recipients. (Photo by Ann Reagan)

To gain new appreciation for the role of the people with the South Plains Community Action Association, whose efforts help those in need in our communities, one only has to follow them during a food box delivery day.

The SPCAA is a non-profit organization which facilitates assistance to those most in need in the communities of the South Plains.

The statement of promise according to the website spcaa.org states “Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.” The organization was established in 1965.

According to Henry Terango, Director of the Community Services & Housing Division, the organization is currently focusing on expanding outreach to the smallest communities in the county, which do not have their own distribution point.

The Lamb County group receives food boxes to which are distributed to recipients each month or every other month as the need arises in each community of Lamb County. The first priority is the elderly and the disabled, and those who receive no other form of assistance such as food stamps.

Patricia Gonzales is the Service Specialist for Lamb County. Her office is located at the Community Center in Laguna Park. SPCAA assists people who qualify with transportation, food, job search, and home services. Persons who qualify for SNAP, TANIF, SSI,and Medicaid automatically meet the criteria for SPCAA assistance. Persons making less than 185% of the federal poverty level are eligible. SPCAA also acts as a liason for Adult Protective Services to help eligible persons with critical repairs for their homes such as plumbing needs or medically required ramps.

Gonzales may be reached by calling her office at 806-385-5425, ext 100. She stated that the best reward for her is that “the people we are able to help are so very grateful for any assistance they receive.”

Monetary donations are accepted by the organization; however, Gonzales stressed that donors must specify which service they wish to help: example: food distribution, utilities, or housing.

For state applications, call 800-252-5400.