DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS
Upcoming Starr County Flood Recovery Events
Starr County Flood Recovery Efforts - Spring 2025
Volunteers joined staff members from the South Texas Food Bank's Disaster Relief team in distributing food and other essentials to neighbors in San Isidro, Tx in Starr County.
Updated: 4/10/2025
On March 28th, The South Texas Food Bank activated its disaster response protocol to support our neighbors impacted by the heavy flooding caused by the torrential rains in Starr County on Thursday, March 27.
One of the most rural counties in the food bank's service region is Starr County, which has a population of about 67,000. With only two large cities—Rio Grande City and Roma—the vast bulk of the population resides in tiny rural settlements known as "ranchettes". Many of the farm roads that serve these settlements were impacted by the widespread floods. In addition to disrupting daily activities, the rising floodwaters created dangerous conditions that put lives in peril. The residents of these localities faced numerous difficulties in the days following the storm, including fallen trees, degraded roadways, and low places that were under water. In addition, there was significant harm to private property, including flooded homes, collapsed roofs, and vehicles that are now considered total losses.
One of the first organizations to respond was one of our member agencies - the food pantry at South Texas College in Rio Grande City. They held two emergency food distributions for impacted STC faculty, students, and staff on April 1 and 2. They served over 300 families and over 1000 individuals.
The food bank trucks then rolled in to San Isidro Catholic Church in San Isidro on April 3 to host an emergency drive-thru distribution. The South Texas Food Bank's Disaster Relief Team provided our neighbors with food items, cleaning and disinfecting supplies, infant formula and other critical items to members of these very small community of about 300 families. Neighbors from nearby communities attended this relief effort as well. The Relief Team assisted 275 families and 1,110 individuals at this distribution.
Those that attended the event expressed their sincere gratitude to the staff and volunteers for not "forgetting them" and "going out their way" to host this event on their behalf.
On April 4, the disaster relief team participated in the emergency food distribution at the Versailles Events Center in Rio Grande City, Texas. Over 800 families and 2,792 individuals were assisted, and 82,000 pounds of assistance was distributed to impacted community members at this event.
"We remain committed to serving our neighbors in this time of crisis and beyond," said Alma Boubel, CEO of the South Texas Food Bank. "Thank you to all the organizations, businesses, and individuals who reached out to us to offer their support in this recovery efforts. Every item, dollar and hour donated towards this makes a big difference in the lives of those who were impacted by this natural disaster."
Due to the extent of the damage, the food bank CEO foresees that additional relief efforts in the area will be needed.
The Disaster Relief team will be conducting an emergency distribution in Roma, TX on Friday, April 10 at Escobares City Hall. Those impacted by this disaster are encouraged to attend.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit our donate page. You can also call 956-726-3120 Ext. 103 during business hours or mail in your check to: P.O. BOX 2007, Laredo, TX 78044.
Thank you to the following organizations, businesses, groups, and countless volunteers for their support in this distribution:
-
City of Rio Grande City, Texas
-
H-E-B 13 – Rio Grande City
-
H-E-B Helping Here
-
H-E-B Hunger Relief
-
RGC Fire Department & Emergency Management
-
Rio Grande City Police Department
-
San Antonio Food Bank
-
San Isidro Catholic Church
-
South Texas College Food Pantry
-
Starr County Office of Emergency Management
-
Starr County Texas Precincts 3 & 4
-
Starr County Sheriff's Office
-
TDEM – Region 5
-
TDEM – Region 5 ISTF Members
-
Versailles Events Center
Special thanks to our longstanding partner H-E-B for their donation of water and gift cards to assist with the purchase of essential supplies.
Starr County residents are encouraged to report flood damages through the Texas Division of Emergency Management iSTAT Portal: https://damage.tdem.texas.gov
Visit our Gallery for more images of our disaster relief efforts.
The South Texas Food Bank is an important component in disaster relief efforts in South Texas and surrounding areas.
As a first responder, the food bank works directly with local and state authorities in emergency management operations to provide immediate food, water, and other items to those directly affected by a disaster.
As part of the Feeding America and Feeding Texas networks, The South Texas Food Bank has an established partnership with businesses, nonprofit agencies, and other food banks that allows them to coordinate and quickly mobilize when disaster strikes.
Financial contributions, food donations and volunteerism help ensure the Food Bank is able to provide the necessary emergency assistance to those affected by disasters.
Important Notices for Emergency Distributions:
-
Please have an empty trunk or backseat.
-
Please provide protection for the area where your donations will be placed, whenever possible.
-
Due to the limited food availability, assistance is limited to no more than once a month so all our clients get a chance to receive assistance.
Please note that the food assistance is free of charge and on a voluntary basis, The South Texas Food Bank staff, volunteers and any of its partner affiliates will not be held responsible for any damage to your vehicle. As always, we encourage all attendees to drive safely at the distribution sites and protect the area where food donations will be placed. If you have any concerns, please contact the on-site distribution coordinator immediately.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Thank you to the following for their support of our relief-efforts:
