Programs That Help Families Across the South Plains
- Publish Date:
More Than a Food Box
When people think of a food bank, they often picture shelves of canned goods or a box of groceries. While emergency food assistance is an important part of the mission, the South Plains Food Bank offers much more than a single food distribution.
Every family has different needs, and those needs can change over time. A senior living on a fixed income may need monthly food support. A parent may need help feeding children while school is out. Someone living in a rural community may not be able to travel to Lubbock for assistance.
That’s why South Plains Food Bank offers multiple programs designed to make food more accessible throughout the South Plains.
Food Assistance for Individuals and Families
For many households, the Food Assistance Program is the first step toward getting help.
Individuals and families can complete an online application, and once it’s reviewed, they’ll receive a text message with their assigned pickup day and time. Because of application volume, it’s important to wait until you receive approval before coming to pick up food.
This program is designed to help families experiencing temporary or ongoing food insecurity by providing groceries that can help stretch a household budget.
Mobile Pantry Brings Food Closer to Rural Communities
Transportation shouldn’t stand between someone and a healthy meal.
South Plains Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry Program serves communities throughout its 19-county service area by bringing food distributions directly to local partner sites. Churches, community centers, and other organizations host these distributions, making it easier for families who live outside of Lubbock to receive assistance closer to home.
A monthly Mobile Pantry calendar is available on the SPFB website so families can find the nearest distribution location.
Children’s Feeding Programs
Summer break and after-school hours can be especially challenging for families who rely on school meals.
South Plains Food Bank partners with community organizations to provide free meals and nutritious snacks for children through its Children’s Feeding Programs. These programs help ensure children have access to healthy food during the summer months and after school, supporting their growth, learning, and overall well-being.
Providing children with consistent access to nutritious meals helps families worry less about food and focus more on helping their children thrive.
Senior Box Program
Older adults often face unique financial challenges, especially those living on Social Security or a fixed income.
The Senior Box Program, part of the USDA’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), provides monthly food packages to eligible adults ages 60 and older. These boxes contain nutritious foods that help supplement a healthy diet and reduce grocery expenses.
For many seniors, this program provides peace of mind by ensuring they have reliable access to nutritious food each month.
SNAP Assistance and Community Resources
Food assistance doesn’t always come from one program alone.
South Plains Food Bank also helps connect families with additional resources, including SNAP benefits and other nutrition assistance programs. Whether someone needs help understanding eligibility, navigating the application process, or finding additional food resources, the SPFB team is committed to helping people access the support available to them.
Sometimes, a simple conversation can connect a family with resources they didn’t know existed.
Serving Communities Across 19 Counties
South Plains Food Bank proudly serves 19 counties throughout the South Plains region.
Whether someone lives in Lubbock or a smaller rural community, the goal remains the same: making nutritious food more accessible to individuals, children, seniors, and families who need it most. Through local partnerships, Mobile Pantry distributions, children’s programs, and food assistance services, SPFB works every day to reach neighbors where they are.
How to Find the Right Program
If you’re unsure which program is right for your family, South Plains Food Bank makes it easy to get started.
Depending on your situation, you may qualify for:
- Food Assistance
- Mobile Pantry distributions
- Children’s Feeding Programs
- Senior Box Program
- SNAP assistance and referrals
If you need immediate food assistance, SPFB recommends calling 211 to connect with available community resources. You can also complete the Food Assistance application online, check your application status by text or email, or explore distribution sites throughout the region on the SPFB website.
Helping Build Stronger Communities
Access to nutritious food creates stronger families and healthier communities.
Every program at South Plains Food Bank is designed with one goal in mind: ensuring that no one has to face hunger alone. Whether it’s a child receiving a healthy meal after school, a senior picking up a monthly food box, or a family visiting a Mobile Pantry closer to home, each program provides support with dignity and compassion.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, South Plains Food Bank is here to help. Visit the website to learn more about available programs and find the resources that best fit your family’s needs.