United Family Donates 4,860 Pounds of Apples to West Texas Food Bank Through Take a Bite Out of Hunger Program

On Wednesday, United Family announced it will donate 4,860 pounds of fresh apples to the West Texas Food Bank as part of its ongoing Take a Bite Out of Hunger initiative. The donation, scheduled for distribution at the food bank’s Lubbock facility, aims to support families facing food insecurity across the South Plains region. This contribution marks one of the largest single-produce donations United Family has made to the food bank in the past year.

The Take a Bite Out of Hunger program, launched by United Family in 2021, partners with local growers and suppliers to redirect surplus fresh produce to food banks and pantries. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods like apples, the initiative addresses both immediate hunger needs and long-term nutrition goals in underserved communities. According to the West Texas Food Bank, fresh fruit donations have increased by 32% since the program’s inception, helping to supplement diets that often rely heavily on shelf-stable, processed items.

Why Fresh Produce Donations Matter in West Texas

Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in West Texas, where over 15% of residents lack consistent access to adequate nutrition, according to Feeding America’s 2023 Map the Meal Gap report. In rural counties like Lubbock, Crosby, and Hale, the rate exceeds 18%, driven by limited grocery access, transportation barriers, and higher poverty levels.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are among the most requested yet least donated items at food banks due to their perishability and logistical challenges. Programs like United Family’s help bridge this gap by leveraging supply chain efficiencies to move surplus produce quickly from store to shelf. Apples, in particular, are valued for their shelf stability, vitamin C content, and broad appeal across age groups.

How the Donation Process Works

United Family coordinates directly with its produce suppliers to identify excess inventory that meets quality standards but may not sell before expiration. Instead of discarding this food, the company transports it to regional food banks using its existing distribution network. The West Texas Food Bank then sorts, stores, and distributes the apples through its network of 160 partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and senior centers.

This particular donation will be distributed over the course of one week, with priority given to households with children and senior clients. Nutrition educators at the food bank will similarly include recipe cards and storage tips to help recipients make the most of the fresh produce.

United Family’s Broader Commitment to Community Support

Beyond the Take a Bite Out of Hunger program, United Family supports hunger relief through annual food drives, monetary contributions, and volunteer engagement. In 2023, the company reported donating over 1.2 million pounds of food and raising more than $350,000 for regional food banks across Texas and New Mexico.

The company’s efforts align with Feeding America’s national goal to increase the proportion of fresh produce in food bank distributions to 30% by 2025. Currently, fresh fruits and vegetables make up approximately 22% of all food distributed nationwide—a figure United Family’s initiatives help to improve at the regional level.

How to Support the West Texas Food Bank

Even as corporate donations like United Family’s play a vital role, community involvement remains essential. The West Texas Food Bank encourages individuals and businesses to:

• Donate non-perishable food items or funds through its official website
• Volunteer at its Lubbock warehouse or mobile pantry events
• Host food drives through schools, workplaces, or faith organizations
• Advocate for policies that strengthen access to nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC

Every dollar donated helps the food bank provide approximately five meals to those in need. With inflation continuing to strain household budgets, sustained support is critical to maintaining consistent access to nutritious food.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Impact Through Partnership

United Family has indicated plans to expand the Take a Bite Out of Hunger program in 2024, including partnerships with additional regional growers and exploration of cold-storage solutions to extend the shelf life of donated produce. The company also aims to increase transparency by publishing quarterly impact reports detailing pounds of food donated, meals provided, and communities served.

As food insecurity evolves with economic and environmental challenges, collaborations between retailers, suppliers, and food banks will be key to building resilient, equitable food systems. Initiatives like this apple donation demonstrate how targeted, supply-chain-driven philanthropy can deliver both immediate relief and long-term community benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Take a Bite Out of Hunger program?

The Take a Bite Out of Hunger program is a United Family initiative that redirects surplus fresh produce from its stores to regional food banks. Launched in 2021, the program focuses on reducing food waste while improving access to nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables in underserved communities.

Why apples specifically?

Apples are chosen for their durability, nutritional value, and wide appeal. They retain quality longer than many other fresh fruits, making them ideal for food bank distribution. Apples also provide fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants—nutrients often lacking in diets reliant on processed foods.

How can I verify that my donation to the West Texas Food Bank is used effectively?

The West Texas Food Bank is a 4-star rated organization by Charity Navigator and holds Platinum Transparency status with Candid (formerly GuideStar). Donors can review its annual reports, financial statements, and impact metrics directly on its website.

Are there tax benefits for donating food or funds?

Yes. Both individuals and businesses may qualify for tax deductions when donating to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations like the West Texas Food Bank. Food donors may also be eligible for enhanced deductions under the federal Food Donation Act. Consult a tax professional for specific guidance.

How often does United Family donate to the West Texas Food Bank?

United Family makes regular donations throughout the year, with increased contributions during holiday seasons and summer months when child food insecurity tends to rise. The 4,860-pound apple donation is part of an ongoing series of produce contributions scheduled for 2024.