Power Up the Pantry returns with food drop-off sites across South Texas

Nonprofit and electric cooperative team up to collect donations for local food banks

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:39am

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A food drive is aiming to power up pantries in multiple cities this month. From canned goods to peanut butter, residents in South Texas can drop off donations at various locations to benefit the South Texas Food Bank.

Why it matters

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in many parts of South Texas, and this annual drive helps stock the shelves of local food pantries to provide essential nutrition to families in need.

The details

The Power Up The Pantry Food Drive, organized by the South Texas Food Bank and Medina Electric Cooperative, Inc., is collecting non-perishable food items like canned goods, pasta, and peanut butter at drop-off sites in Hondo, Bruni, and Rio Grande City from February 1-28. The donations will be distributed to food pantries across the region served by the South Texas Food Bank.

  • The food drive runs from February 1 to February 28, 2026.

The players

South Texas Food Bank

A nonprofit organization that provides food assistance to families in need across South Texas.

Medina Electric Cooperative, Inc.

An electric utility company that provides power to rural areas of Texas, including many of the communities participating in the food drive.

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What’s next

Residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items at the designated drop-off sites throughout the month of February to support local food pantries.

The takeaway

This annual food drive demonstrates the power of community partnerships to address food insecurity and ensure families across South Texas have access to essential nutrition.