Food Bank of the RGV

What Food Bank of the RGV does

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit hunger-relief organization incorporated in 1986 and headquartered at 724 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr, Texas. It serves as the largest charity in South Texas and ranks as the 7th largest food bank in Texas and 56th in the United States among 200 Feeding America network food banks. The organization distributes food across Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties through a network of 275+ partner agencies, three resource centers (Pharr, Mission, Edcouch), and mobile food and produce distributions targeting food deserts, reaching 96,655 individuals weekly and 493,303 families in 2025, with 38,377,261 total meals provided.

The organization's core programs include the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors aged 60+, Mobile Food and Produce Pop-Up Distributions, Kids Produce Market, School Tools (serving 88 elementary schools and 33,000+ children), Social Services (SNAP/Medicaid/CHIP application assistance), and Nutrition Education. Technology infrastructure is limited to third-party platforms: CERVIS for volunteer management, Plentiful for partner pantry digital check-in, Givelively for online donations, and an Agency Express ordering portal. There is no proprietary technology platform; operations are logistics- and community-driven rather than technology-driven.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of individual donations (one-time and Hunger Hero monthly giving), corporate sponsorships (H-E-B, Whataburger, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas), federal grants (TEFAP, CSFP), community food drives, and signature fundraising events (Empty Bowls, Farm Dinner, Car Shows). The organization is led by Co-Chief Executive Officers Connie Ramos and Libby Ann Saenz, holds a 4-star Charity Navigator rating, and directs 98% of expenditures to program services with 2% overhead.

Name

Food Bank of the RGV

Legal name

Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc.

Website

https://foodbankrgv.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit hunger-relief organization serving Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties in South Texas, distributing 38+ million meals annually in 2025 through 275+ partner agencies, resource centers, and mobile distributions to food-insecure individuals, families, seniors, and children.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hunger Relief Services

NAICS

Community Food Services (62421), Community Food Services (624210)

akta.pro primary industry

Food Assistance & Food Banks (BPAGAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Food Assistance & Nutrition Relief (Emergency Feeding) (BPAGAAAD), Menu Planning, Nutrition & Dietary Accommodation Services (Allergens, Special Diets) (EDAEAEAD), Child Nutrition & Meal Programs (CACFP/Snack Programs) (EDACAMAA)

Keywords

• Food assistance services
• Hunger relief programs
• Community nutrition support
• Emergency food distribution
• Senior food programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Pharr

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Monetary donations from individuals, both one-time and recurring monthly donors through the Hunger Hero monthly giving club. Every $1-5 donated provides multiple meals.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships for programs (Operation Kid Pack, Kids Cafe, Mobile Distributions, Nutrition Education) and events (Empty Bowls, Farm Dinner).
3. Government Food Programs (TEFAP/CSFP): Federal programs including The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors, providing USDA Foods for distribution.
4. Event Fundraising: Annual signature events including Empty Bowls (largest fundraiser), Farm Dinner, Empty Bowls Lower Valley, and Car Shows that generate revenue and community awareness.
5. Food Drives: Community food drives and virtual food drives that generate food inventory for distribution. Corporate retail produce donations also contribute to food supply.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley distributes emergency food, senior food boxes (CSFP), mobile produce, and school supplies to food-insecure individuals and families across Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. It also delivers nutrition education classes and Social Services navigation for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, and Healthy Texas Women's Program applications. A network of 275+ partner agencies, supplemented by Resource Centers in Pharr, Mission, and Edcouch, extends distribution reach.

Product overview

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley operates as a single unified charitable organization offering multiple food assistance and community support programs rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture. Its core program portfolio includes Emergency Food Assistance (TEFAP), the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for seniors, Mobile Food and Produce Pop-Up Distributions, Kids Produce Market, School Tools, Social Services (benefits enrollment assistance), and Nutrition Education. Digital platforms supporting operations include the CERVIS volunteer management system for shift coordination and the Plentiful digital check-in tool provided to partner agencies. The organization also facilitates donations through the Givelively platform and manages partner agency relationships through the Agency Express ordering portal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hunger Hero Monthly Giving Club: Monthly giving program where donors join a dedicated circle of supporters fighting hunger with recurring contributions.

Products and services

• Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Federal program providing emergency food assistance through the on-site emergency food pantry at the Pharr Resource Center and a network of 275+ partner agencies across Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. Services are provided at no cost to eligible low-income individuals and families.
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) / Senior Box Program Monthly food package program for low-income seniors aged 60 and older, providing nutritious USDA Foods including cereals, juices, proteins, peanut butter, milk, grains, canned fruits and vegetables, and cheese. Distribution is the third-largest of its kind in Texas, serving 9,000+ seniors monthly through drive-thru distribution.
• Mobile Food and Produce Pop-Up Distributions Mobile produce and food pop-up distributions serving 300-900 families per event, providing fresh produce, shelf-stable foods, and frozen protein to communities including food deserts across Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. No application is required; first come, first served.
• Kids Produce Market Mobile market program that travels to elementary schools providing children with fresh produce and nutrition education. Currently serves approximately 2,600 children and distributes 18,200 pounds of fresh produce monthly.
• School Tools On-site school supplies center providing supplies to 88 elementary schools with 70%+ economically disadvantaged student populations, serving over 33,000 children annually through a monthly shopping program for teachers. Affiliated with The Kids In Need Foundation.
• Social Services Assistance with applications for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, and the Healthy Texas Women's Program through certified case assistance navigators who help clients navigate state-funded social and health services.
• Nutrition Education Classes in nutrition, food safety, meal preparation, and budgeting taught in collaboration with community organizations, featuring heart-healthy recipes and resources. Includes the "Nutritious Can Be Delicious" video series funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.

Quantifiable outcome

• $10 donated = 50 meals provided
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.

• Feeding AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational food bank network membership providing access to resources, best practices, and national advocacy. The Food Bank RGV is a proud member organization.
• Feeding TexascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level food bank network membership. The Food Bank RGV operates as a member of the Texas food bank network.
• The Kids In Need FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe School Tools program is affiliated with The Kids In Need Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to improve every child's education by providing school supplies to students in need.
• H-E-BflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor sponsor for Empty Bowls Lower Valley 2026 (Title and Presenting Sponsor). H-E-B Hunger Relief campaign allows customers to donate at register. Ongoing corporate partnership supporting food bank operations and events.
• WhataburgermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor represented on Board of Directors (Thays Fernandes from Whataburger). Annual Whataburger fundraiser during Orange Spirit Week generates donations for the food bank.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of TexasmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerFunding partner for 'Nutritious Can Be Delicious' nutrition education video series. Supports nutrition education programming for the community.
• Unidos Contra la DiabetesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner sharing diabetic-friendly recipes and nutrition education content. Collaborates on A1C Campaign and healthy eating resources.
• Bert Ogden ArenaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for Empty Bowls annual event (main location for signature fundraiser).
• Tijerina Legal GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor/donor supporting food bank operations.
• UT Health RGV (Methodist Healthcare)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor/donor supporting food bank operations.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Feeding America: National food bank network and parent network of which Food Bank RGV is a member; comparable as the umbrella organization that provides food sourcing, national brand recognition, and policy advocacy to member food banks including Food Bank RGV.
• Feeding Texas: State-level affiliate of Feeding America coordinating the 21 Texas food banks; comparable as the state-level network that provides shared resources, state advocacy, and coordination for member food banks including Food Bank RGV.

Direct peers

• North Texas Food Bank: Major Texas food bank serving a multi-county region with similar TEFAP distribution, mobile pantry programs, and Feeding America affiliation; comparable in scale, funding model, and partner agency network structure.
• Houston Food Bank: Largest food bank in Texas and a Feeding America member serving the greater Houston region; directly comparable as a Texas-based food bank distributing large meal volumes to a multi-county service area with similar program mix.
• Tarrant Area Food Bank: Fort Worth-based food bank serving North Texas; comparable in scale and program mix (TEFAP, CSFP, mobile pantries), with similar Feeding America and Feeding Texas network participation.
• Central Texas Food Bank: Austin-based Feeding America food bank; comparable in Texas regional food distribution, mobile pantry programs, and partner agency network model, though serving a different (more urban) geographic area.
• El Pasoans Fighting Hunger: El Paso-based food bank serving West Texas border region; comparable as a border-area food bank with high food-insecurity population, federal nutrition program reliance, and TEFAP distribution model.
• South Texas Food Bank: Laredo-based food bank serving Webb County and surrounding South Texas region; directly comparable as a border-region food bank with similar demographic profile, mobile distribution needs, and Feeding Texas network membership.
• Corpus Christi Food Bank: Regional food bank serving the Coastal Bend of South Texas; comparable as a nearby South Texas food bank with a similar partner agency network and federal nutrition program administration.
• San Antonio Food Bank: Texas food bank serving South Central Texas with similar partner agency distribution model, federal TEFAP participation, and mobile food distribution programs targeting food-insecure populations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/foodbankrgv
• YouTubeyoutube.com/foodbankrgv
• Facebookfacebook.com/FoodBankRGV
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/food-bank-of-the-rio-grande-valley-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/foodbankrgv

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Food Bank of the RGV