The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that plays a vital role in the lives of eligible Texans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. In Texas, the Texas Department of Agriculture supports food agencies like food banks and food pantries that directly serve nourishing food to neighbors in need.

About The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) actively backs local food banks and pantries through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). This program not only provides essential nourishment to those in need but also supports the nation’s agricultural producers. Through TEFAP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchases a variety of nutritious, high-quality USDA Foods, and makes those foods available to state distributing agencies.

The amount of food each state receives out of the total amount of food provided is based on the number of unemployed persons and the number of people with incomes below the poverty level in the state. States provide the food to local agencies that they have selected, usually food banks, which in turn distribute the food to local organizations, such as soup kitchens and food pantries that directly serve the public.

States also provide the food to other types of local organizations, such as community action agencies, which distribute the foods directly to low-income households. These local organizations distribute USDA Foods to eligible recipients for household consumption or use them to prepare and serve meals in a congregate setting. Under TEFAP, states also receive administrative funds to support the storage and distribution of USDA Foods.

These funds must, in part, be passed down to local agencies. TEFAP is administered at the federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service, an agency of the USDA.

How to Get Food

The Food Bank RGV has an Emergency Food Pantry on-site for people in need of emergency food assistance, such as when there is no food in the home. During your initial visit to the Food Bank RGV, you will receive a food distribution through our client-choice food pantry and a  referral to a food pantry in your neighborhood, close to you, that can provide food assistance on a monthly basis, as needed. When visiting the Emergency Food Pantry, please provide your I.D. and proof of address, such as a utility bill.

Food Bank RGV’s Dates and Times of Operation:

Monday through Friday

8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

*Closed 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. to allow staff a lunch hour*

The Food Bank RGV is located at 724 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr, TX.

For More information

For more information about TEFAP or if you are in need of food assistance, please contact us. Our food bank has a network of 275 partner agencies across Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. Our team can refer you to a partner pantry that is close to you.  Please call us at 956-682-8101 and select option 2 for more information or a referral. You can also visit the Food Bank RGV Resource Center to access our Emergency Food Assistance Program. The Food Bank RGV Resource Center is located onsite the Food Bank RGV at 724 N. Cage Blvd.