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Laredo organizations unite to combat hunger and promote food security on World Food Day

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 15:31 GMT by KGNS-TV
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Laredo Organizations Unite to Combat Hunger and Promote Food Security on World Food Day

On October 16, 2025, the city of Laredo celebrated World Food Day with a coalition of local food banks, community organizations, faith‑based groups, and city officials rallying to address the pressing issue of food insecurity in the region. The event, held at the Laredo Convention Center, featured a keynote speech by Mayor Maria Torres, a presentation from the Laredo Food Bank, and a series of interactive exhibits that showcased the city’s ongoing efforts to secure a healthier future for its residents.

A Collective Vision for Food Security

Mayor Torres opened the ceremony by emphasizing the city’s commitment to “ensure that no Laredo family goes to bed hungry.” She underscored the partnership between the municipal government and community nonprofits as a model for sustainable change. “When we pool our resources and knowledge, we can tackle the root causes of food insecurity,” she said, acknowledging the joint initiative’s focus on both immediate relief and long‑term solutions.

The Laredo Food Bank, the city’s flagship nonprofit, presented data that highlighted the stark reality: approximately 12% of households in the Laredo metropolitan area experience food insecurity, with the rate climbing during the winter months. “Our pantry now serves more than 3,000 families each month, but there is still a gap,” explained Dr. Elena Ramirez, the Food Bank’s executive director. “By aligning our efforts with local schools, farms, and faith communities, we can close that gap.”

Community‑Driven Programs

The coalition’s centerpiece was the “Fresh Food Initiative,” a partnership between the Food Bank and nearby farmers that delivers fresh produce to underserved neighborhoods. Through the initiative, 20 local farms pledged to supply organic fruits and vegetables, which the Food Bank then distributes via mobile units and community kitchens. This program was showcased through a tasting booth that allowed attendees to sample produce sourced directly from the region.

In addition to fresh food, the coalition highlighted the “Kids in Need” program, which partners with elementary schools to provide lunch packs for students who lack adequate nutrition at home. The initiative has distributed over 5,000 lunch packs annually and partners with local restaurants for discounted meal components. A volunteer segment demonstrated how students can help pack these meals, fostering a sense of responsibility and community service.

Faith‑based organizations played a crucial role in the event, with representatives from St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Laredo Islamic Center, and the First Baptist Church outlining their own outreach programs. St. Mary’s announced its “Hunger Hotline,” a 24‑hour line for residents to request emergency food assistance, while the Laredo Islamic Center launched a new “Community Kitchen” that offers free meals during Ramadan and other charitable events.

World Food Day’s Global Context

The Laredo event was framed within the global context of World Food Day, an annual celebration organized by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The 2025 theme—“Building a Food‑Secure Future for All”—mirrors the coalition’s objectives: reducing hunger, improving nutritional outcomes, and creating resilient food systems. Participants were invited to visit a pop‑up exhibit that displayed FAO’s reports and interactive maps showing global food insecurity trends.

A highlighted segment was a virtual tour of the FAO’s “Sustainable Food Systems” initiative, which demonstrated how local practices can contribute to global goals. City officials emphasized the importance of aligning municipal policies with these international frameworks, noting that Laredo’s local policies on agricultural subsidies, food waste reduction, and transportation infrastructure are designed to meet the FAO’s benchmarks.

Mobilizing Volunteers and Raising Awareness

The coalition organized a volunteer drive that attracted more than 300 participants, who were then assigned to food distribution centers, kitchen prep, and event logistics. A dedicated volunteer information booth offered educational materials on nutrition, cooking classes, and tips for reducing food waste at home. The event’s final activity was a community potluck, where residents brought dishes that highlighted diverse cultural cuisines, reinforcing the idea that food is a unifying force.

In a closing statement, Mayor Torres called on the city’s residents to “continue the momentum,” urging them to support local farms, volunteer at food banks, and advocate for policies that ensure a food‑secure future for all Laredo families.

Looking Ahead

Following the World Food Day celebration, the coalition announced a series of follow‑up actions: a quarterly “Food Security Summit” to assess progress, a partnership with the Texas Department of Agriculture to expand the Fresh Food Initiative, and a city‑wide “Zero‑Waste” campaign targeting supermarkets and food retailers. These initiatives are expected to double the Food Bank’s capacity to serve families by 2027 and reduce food waste in Laredo’s commercial sector by 15%.

The coalition’s work demonstrates the power of collaboration—between government, nonprofits, faith groups, and local businesses—in tackling food insecurity. As Laredo continues to grow, these community‑driven efforts are poised to set a benchmark for other cities seeking to build resilient, food‑secure ecosystems.

For further details on the Laredo Food Bank’s programs, visit their official website or contact the Laredo Food Bank’s outreach office. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s World Food Day page provides additional resources and global context for food security initiatives.