The Texas Golf Association recently partnered with the Spirit Golf Association in the launch of the Spirit Food Fund campaign to support the Houston Food Bank as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To make a financial contribution to the Spirit Food Fund or to volunteer with the Houston Food Bank, click here or text SpiritFoodFund to 41444 with your donation amount.
As a direct result of the worldwide health crisis, the Houston community has seen a 130-150 percent increase in hunger, and demand continues to grow. Currently, the Houston area has more than 1.1 million food insecure people who rely on the Houston Food Bank and its partner networks for food assistance.
The Houston Food Bank is responding by increasing food distribution by 150 percent over its usual distribution, averaging 1 million pounds of food each day. This unprecedented need means millions of dollars in additional funding are required to keep Houstonians healthy and fed.
SGA launched the Spirit Food Fund campaign with a lead gift of $500,000 raised from SGA founder and Whispering Pines Golf Club owner Corby Robertson, Jr., and his family, as well as The Cullen Foundation and the Cullen Trust for Higher Education. Prominent supporters of the campaign include the likes of Jim Nantz, Stacy Lewis and Clyde Drexler.
“We’re grateful to be able to partner with the great people at the Houston Food Bank to support fellow Texans in need,” Robertson said. “It is our responsibility to be there for our neighbors and communities.”
The SGA is not only mobilizing the golf community but the greater Houston community as well, with plans to expand its mission throughout the state of Texas and beyond in support of those who are most vulnerable at this critical time. A $10 donation will provide 30 meals to families and individuals struggling to make ends meet.
“The significant support from the Spirit Golf Association will add critically needed funds to allow us to work to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for food assistance created by COVID-19,” said Brian Greene, President/CEO of the Houston Food Bank.
Greene said that the additional need is due to tens of thousands of people who are out of work and kids who would normally get meals at school who are now at home. He noted that for many Houstonians, this is the first time they have ever sought assistance.
Funds will be used for food recovery, sorting and distribution, as well as the creation of Emergency Food Boxes for families.
For more information and to get involved, click here.