For more than 35 years, the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent (FBGC) in Victoria, Texas, has worked to address hunger in the community. Established in 1986, the organization serves an 11-county area that includes Calhoun, Colorado, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refugio, Wharton, and Victoria. By partnering with over 100 agencies, FBGC distributes food, educates the public about nutrition, advocates for hunger relief, and supports residents across a 9,963-square-mile region. One of its programs, the Senior Box Program, helps meet the needs of older residents who face food challenges.
Hungry Senior Citizens in Texas
Seniors often face barriers that make accessing food more difficult, such as living on fixed incomes, health-related restrictions, or limited transportation options. These factors can lead to food insecurity, which affects both health and well-being. In response, FBGC’s Senior Box Program provides monthly food supplies to seniors who qualify based on age and income.
What is the Senior Box Program?
The Senior Box Program, part of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), provides a monthly box of food to eligible seniors. The food is USDA-approved and includes canned fruits, vegetables, meats, cereal, and cheese.
These items supplement the diets of participants, offering basic nutrition support.
Food Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the program, applicants must meet two key requirements.
Age: Applicants must be at least 60 years old.
Income Level: Applicants must meet income guidelines based on household size and the Federal Poverty Level. For example, a one-person household must earn $19,578 or less annually, and a two-person household must earn $26,572 or less.
The program is available in the following counties: Calhoun, DeWitt, Gonzales, Jackson, Matagorda, Refugio and Victoria. It serves households of varying sizes, and eligibility limits are adjusted annually based on federal guidelines.
How to Apply
In-Person Applications Only
Applications must be completed in person. Seniors in Victoria or nearby areas can visit the FBGC office at 3809 E. Rio Grande Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
Same-Day Assistance
If an applicant qualifies, they can receive their food box the day they apply.
For those living outside Victoria, applications can be submitted at distribution locations in their respective counties on designated days after 10:00 a.m.
CALHOUN | Calhoun County Fairgrounds 186 Henry Barber Way, Port Lavaca | 3rd Tuesday 8:30-11:00am |
DEWITT (must choose one location) | Calvary Baptist Church 102 Warn Street, Cuero Yorktown Assistance Ministry 123 N. Church, Yorktown | 4th Tuesday 8:30-11:00am 1st Wednesday 9:00-11:00am |
GONZALES | Right Choice Community Hall 719 Hwy 90E, Waelder | 2nd Friday 8:30-11:00am |
JACKSON | Shelby Park 104 Shelby Park Road, Edna | 1st Friday 8:30-11:00am |
MATAGORDA | Nichols Street Church of Christ 1200 Nichols Avenue, Bay City | 2nd Wednesday 8:30-11:00am |
REFUGIO | Refugio Fairgrounds at Padilla Hall 246 Fairgrounds Road, Refugio | 4th Wednesday 8:30-11:00am |
The Program’s Impact
The Senior Box Program addresses an immediate need by providing food to older adults who might otherwise go without.
Promotes Health
By offering essential food items, it supports participants in managing their diets and maintaining physical well-being.
Reduces Financial Strain
The program helps participants stretch their budgets by offsetting grocery costs, freeing up funds for other expenses like medications or housing.
Supports Independence
Access to food allows seniors to rely less on others, helping them maintain control over their daily lives.
Community Efforts
We work with the Texas Department of Agriculture and other partners to provide the Senior Box Program to eligible seniors. These partnerships provide the funding, resources, and organizational support needed to operate the program.
Addressing Hunger in the Golden Crescent of Texas
Food insecurity remains a challenge, but FBGC is committed to reducing hunger for seniors and others in need. Through programs like the Senior Box Program, the organization meets needs while advocating for long-term solutions to hunger.
Contact Us To Take the Next Step!
If you or someone you know could benefit from the Senior Box Program, consider visiting the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent or learning more about our hungry senior citizens program. By working together, the community can help ensure that no senior in the Golden Crescent goes without food.
For more details, visit the FBGC office at 3809 E. Rio Grande, Victoria, TX or call 361-578-0591 during regular business hours.
Comments