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Meals in Comal County cost more than SNAP benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assists over 42 million people in the United States annually. In Texas, approximately one in nine individuals benefited from SNAP in 2022, as reported by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). Data from the United States Census Bureau indicates that in Comal County, 4.4%, or about 8,000 households, received SNAP benefits that same year. However, data from 2023 suggests that SNAP benefits do not cover the cost of a modestly priced meal, resulting in widespread food insecurity among many families both nationally and locally.

THE PROBLEM: 

 

While SNAP benefits assist thousands in Comal County, the cost of a modestly priced meal often exceeds what these households can afford, leading to persistent food hardship and increasingly tight budgets.

Nationally, in 2023, the maximum benefit only covered the cost of meals in 36 of the 3,144 counties, as reported by the Urban Institute. In Comal County, the difference between SNAP benefits and the cost of meals is approximately $0.24, rendering a modestly priced meal 8% more expensive than the maximum SNAP benefit.

Additionally, data from Feeding America and Texas Health and Human Services in 2022 indicate that 62% of the food-insecure population in Comal County have incomes above the SNAP threshold, with earnings over $4,125 monthly for a family of four. In other words, 62% of our neighbors who struggle with grocery costs earn too much to qualify for assistance. This often forces them to choose between food and medication, rent, or clothing. Reports also suggest that an annual investment of $15.8 million is required to eradicate hunger in Comal County.

ABOUT SNAP: 

 

Previously known as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP is the nation’s most valuable anti-hunger initiative, aiding low-income individuals in obtaining a nutritionally sufficient diet. It supports low-income working families, individuals with disabilities on fixed incomes, older adults (60 years and older) with low income, and other low-income households. The CBPP states that about two-thirds of SNAP recipients are families with children, and one-third are individuals with disabilities or older adults.  

In Texas, the maximum monthly income an individual can earn is $2,005 and still qualify for the program, as per the Texas Health and Human Services. The threshold for a family of two is $2,712, and for a family of four, that threshold is $4,125. 

A single eligible Texan can receive a maximum of $291 monthly from SNAP. For each additional household member, up to $219 per month is added. For example, a family of two may get $535, while a family of four may receive a maximum of $973.

LOCAL RESOURCES: 

 

The demand for food security programs continues to increase in our community. Several local organizations, however, continue to step in to fill the gap caused by insufficient benefits. The following organizations are dedicated to providing assistance and support to those in need:

New Braunfels Food Bank: 

  • Located at 1620 S Seguine Ave. in New Braunfels
  • Open from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday
  • Request an appointment here.

 

The Hope Center Food Pantry:

  • Located at 6260 US Hwy 281 N in Spring Branch
  • Open from 9 am to 12 pm, Tuesday through Friday

 

Community Resource and Recreation Center: 

  • Located at 1917 FM 2673 in Canyon Lake
  • Open from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday (last shopper at 3:30 pm)

 

Helping Hands Food Pantry: 

  • Located at 11755 Hwy 281 N in Spring Branch
  • Click here for 2024 hours

 

For more information on hunger in our community, please click here. 

For more local resources dedicated to ending hunger, please visit our Non-profit Resource Directory.

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Mckenna Foundation awards rural partners in first grants of 2024

The McKenna Foundation’s Board of Trustees has approved $130,000 of grant funding for rural community support to four partner organizations.

In the first grantmaking session of the year, trustees voted to distribute a total of $575,000 in funding to 12 nonprofit organizations. A portion of this funding, amounting to $130,000, will be allocated specifically to assist rural partners.

The Community Resource and Recreation Center (CCRC) of Canyon Lake is set to receive $65,000. CCRC offers a range of life-enhancing opportunities, support, and social services to the broader Canyon Lake community. With a 48% increase in visitation and over $700,000 worth of food supplies distributed in 2023 alone, the funding is expected to provide rural community support and address the pressing challenges faced by local residents.

The Foundation also approved a $10,000 grant for Bulverde-area food pantry, Provisions Outreach. Provisions reports that since the start of the year, their pantry has served up to 80 clients a day. The client-choice pantry will utilize the funds to purchase essential food and supplies needed in their community and plan to distribute 32,000 pounds of food each month.

Helping Hands Food Pantry was approved for a $40,000 grant by the McKenna Board. Serving the greater Spring Branch area, Helping Hands assists over 4,000 family members in Northwest Comal County annually and anticipates providing an average of 10,000 pounds of food each month. Half of the grant is allocated for pantry operations, while the remaining $20,000 will finance a box truck crucial for weekly food collections.

Also serving the Spring Branch area, the Hope Center was approved for a $15,000 grant towards their Feed My Sheep initiative. The Hope Center has seen a 93% increase in service demand in the first three months of 2024 compared to the previous year. They provide for an underserved population in far Western Comal County seeing on average over 9,000 clients each year and plan to distribute over 100,000 pounds of food this year. The awarded $15,000 will be used to enhance the variety and nutritional value of food provided and will support spiritual nourishment in collaboration with local faith communities.

These McKenna Foundation partners are dedicated to providing beneficial services to our rural neighbors and continue to grow and collaborate as the needs of our community increase.

The approved grants fall under the McKenna Foundation’s Basic Needs Portfolio, which is designed to fund nonprofit organizations that provide accessible resources for food assistance, housing, financial assistance, workforce and employability, and transportation.

The application window for portfolios Health and Education is now open, with applications due by July 8. The Family Relationships application window will open on Aug. 12.

The Foundation accepts applications from verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Comal County residents. New and returning applicants are welcome to apply. For more information please contact us at 830-606-9500, email grants@mckenna.org, or visit our apply for a grant page.

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New at McKenna Children’s Museum: Water table and mural

The Mckenna Children’s Museum outdoor area just got an upgrade, and it’s a sight to behold.

Featuring the McKenna Foundation’s hands logo and incorporating several key attractions, the museum now boasts a mural that captures the essence of fun at the museum.

Local artist, Johnny Duncan, known for his citywide murals including one at Scoop Street Craft Ice Cream downtown, completed the vibrant piece in early June. It was unveiled just in time to coincide with the introduction of our second latest feature, a brand-new water table.

 

The museum recently introduced the interactive water table, complete with a Gruene water tower, a tube shoot, and a spot to go fishing. Needless to say, the addition has quickly become a favorite among visitors.

Whether it’s a field trip, family outing, or just an escape from the sun, join us for fun and come explore our new attractions!

The Children’s Museum welcomes visitors  Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm. 

Tickets are available for walk-ins or online.

 

 

Upcoming Events: 

  • July 2-6: Create firework rings in the Wondershop
  • July 3 (5-7 pm): Members only night
  • July 4: Closed for Independence Day
  • July 8-13: Paint your own Slurpee at the Wondershop
  • July 12 (5:30 pm): Family movie night

 

For more information, visit the McKenna Children’s Museum website.

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NB Housing Partners seeking professional design services

NB Housing Partners advocates for and provides supportive housing in the New Braunfels area for people experiencing housing instability. The organization acts as a catalyst to create sustainable solutions across the affordable housing spectrum. NB Housing Partners requests the submission of qualifications statements, which will lead to the possible award of a contract to provide professional design services for a project involving the 1465 Churchill Project as a multifamily or dense single family development. 

Download PDF here.

Scope of Work:

The services to be obtained for the design professional require: Planning, coordination, design and construction administration for the project at 1465 Churchill Drive. 

Guidelines for Content of Qualification Statements: 

Detailed instructions on preparation of the qualification statement must be obtained from the agency. For more information on preparing and submitting the qualification statement, contact Kellie Stallings, Executive Director, at kellie@nbhousingpartners.org. This information should be requested as soon as possible in order to allow time to prepare the document and comply with the procedures. 

Submittal Deadline: 

Three copies and one PDF copy on flashdrive of the qualifications statement must be filed with the agency by: July 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Late submittals and electronic submittals will not be accepted. 

Minimum Qualifications and Selection Criteria: 

The Agency will evaluate the proposals to determine which firm has the best qualifications and offers the best value to complete our project. 

Contract Terms and Negotiation Schedule: 

The consultant is expected to negotiate an agreement for services that is acceptable to the Agency. If an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated, the District may formally end negotiations and begin negotiating with the next highest qualified person or firm. RFQ’s are issued in accordance with Section 2254 of the Texas Government Code (Professional Services Act). 

NB Housing Partners is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to submit proposals.

Download PDF here.

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Mental Health Awareness Month 2024: Get involved

With Mental Health Awareness Month underway, now is a great time to get involved and spread the word that mental illness is something everyone should care and talk about.

Throughout New Braunfels and surrounding areas, there are several ways to get involved. Whether it’s attending an event, spreading the word, volunteering, or seeking help, we can all play a part in bringing mental illness awareness to the forefront.

Mental Health Awareness Events:

 

Hill Country MHDDC will host virtual LIVE Youth Mental Health First Aid (for adults assisting youth) meetings on the following days:

  • Friday, May 10 at 8 a.m.
  • Saturday, May 11 at 8 a.m.
  • Wednesday, May 15 at 9 a.m.
  • Friday, May 17 at noon.

 

Your Best Life Festival hosted by the National Alliance of Mental Illness Guadalupe County:

  • Saturday, May 11, located at Seguin Events Complex from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Where to Volunteer:

 

CACCC provides a child-friendly environment to the community that assists in the detection, investigation, prevention, and treatment of child abuse. You can fill out a form to volunteer here.

Communities in Schools South Central Texas empowers K-12 students through the support of basic life needs, mental health, tutoring, and college preparation. You can find volunteering information through their website here.

Aiming to provide exceptional compassionate care, Hope Hospice offers personalized end-of-life care and help through the grief and loss process. For more information and how to volunteer click here.

Dedicated to creating a caring community that embraces well-being and mental health, you can find out more information or fill out a form to volunteer for River City Advocacy, Inc. here.

 

 

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Mental Health Awareness Month 2024: What to know

First observed in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month kicked off on May 1 and is a national effort to not only provide hope but to reduce stigma and promote public education surrounding mental illnesses.

Mental illness is common

 

Much more common than one might think, mental health issues continue to rise year after year throughout the nation and the numbers of those affected may be much higher than you thought.

A 2023 survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that nearly 37% of Texas adults reported depressive disorder and or anxiety. In Comal County alone, 29,000 adults and children have a mental health need.

When looking at mental health illness, however, anxiety and depressive disorder are not the sole issues. For example, eating disorders, addictive behavior, and schizophrenia all fall under the umbrella of mental illness.

Investment and initiatives

 

Mental Health InitiativesTo identify needs in the community, understand mental health, and fill gaps in services, the McKenna Foundation established a Mental Health Task Force in 2014.

With twenty-nine provider agencies along with city and county officials, the shared vision has resulted in shared resource materials, coordinated services, and community-wide events.  Additionally, two major achievements stemming from the Task Force include the Mental Advocacy Partners (MAP) and the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT).

Some of the benefits of these collaborations include expanding existing and developing new safety services throughout the community. With this, data creation and collection across disciplines have provided the resources necessary to address critical quality-of-life needs.

Where to find help

 

The commonality and prevalence of mental illness is exactly what Mental Health Awareness Month aims to bring light to. Here at the McKenna Foundation, it is our mission to promote education and prevention, be a resource for available services, and improve access to those services throughout New Braunfels.

A few of these services in New Braunfels and surrounding areas include:

 

More resources and information can be found on our non-profit resource directory page.

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Brauntex Theatre to screen doc exploring the impact of social media on children, effects of technology on the brain

Feb. 21, 2024:

Are you using social media or is social media using you?

Maintaining balance and protecting our well-being has become increasingly difficult in this digital age, where technology and connectivity are integral parts of our daily lives. The relentless flood of notifications, messages and information can lead to feeling overwhelmed and isolated.

On Feb. 27 at 7 p.m., the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness will host a screening of “LIKE: A Documentary About Finding Balance in Our Digital World” at the Brauntex Theatre in New Braunfels. This film will encourage us to contemplate the effects of social media and technology on our lives. It offers strategies for achieving balance and wellness.

The documentary delves into how algorithms influence our online behavior, from the compulsion to respond to notifications to manipulating our behavior to garner more “likes.” It provides guidance and diverse perspectives on navigating the digital world, drawing on young people’s and their families’ experiences, supplemented by expert insights.

The film introduces the concept of JOMO – the Joy Of Missing Out, promoting the benefits of occasional disconnection. Maryanne Navickas, the theater’s Education and Community Outreach Director, stated that the screening is part of a continuous effort to give back to the community.

Navickas invites the community to learn about the current state of social media and its impact on students and adults.

“We will provide resources that will benefit them,” she said. “We hope they will acquire some knowledge to safeguard their children and themselves from IT devices and social media.”

The evening will also feature a panel discussion from subject matter experts, providing insights on social media trends, monitoring a child’s online activity, and what parents should be vigilant about to protect their children.

Resources from local nonprofit organizations, including Mental Advocacy Partners – Comal County, San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness, Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers, InMindOut and Communities in Schools will be available in the lobby at 6 p.m.

“MAP Comal is pleased to support a community mental health education event such as the LIKE screening and panel discussion,” said Kristen Fain, program officer for the McKenna Foundation and coordinator of the Mental Advocacy Partners Comal Coalition. “We hope this event will help families proactively address their mental health needs and engage with community support systems.

The film is a product of iMPACTFUL, a Los Angeles-based company specializing in creating award-winning, evidence-based film programs for schools, businesses and nonprofits.

Admission is free, but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. You can reserve your seats at ourl.io/OGS24. You can view a trailer of the film on YouTube at ourl.io/0Emgi.

For more information about Mental Advocacy Partners Comal, visit mapcomal.org.

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New sauna amenities ready for seniors at 7Ten Activity Center

The new sauna at the 7Ten Activity Center is a relaxing feature that is available to seniors, veterans and disabled adults who are members of the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation.

The sauna, located in the locker rooms for men and women, can help individuals enjoy the benefits of heat therapy, such as better blood circulation, less stress and more detoxification.

The Center’s executive director, Ken Lowery, said clients have given him a lot of positive feedback on the new amenity.

“Our clients are saying there won’t be long before there’s a waiting list to use the steam room,” Lowery said. We’ve completely renovated the steam rooms. We tore out the old and brought in new tile, flooring, drains and steaming equipment. It’s all in concrete now, so it will not deteriorate.”

The sauna is one of the many attractions at the 7Ten Activity Center, which used to be the YMCA building. The Foundation bought and renovated the 20,000-square-foot building a year ago and moved from its old location across the street. The Center’s executive director, Ken Lowery, says the aim is to make the building a modern and versatile facility for senior residents.

The Center offers a variety of activities for seniors, veterans, and disabled adults who want to stay active and engaged. The building contains administrative offices, a central area with three to four separate rooms, outdoor pools, locker rooms, and exercise spaces.

The central area has tile flooring and movable walls, allowing different configurations and uses. Groups can use the rooms for meetings, family gatherings and special events, generating income for the Center, which supports vital programs such as Meals on Wheels and wellness initiatives.

The Center offers a variety of programs, services, and activities for its members. A large room for arts and crafts is at the back of the building. Daily activities include card games, bingo, bean bag tournaments, dominoes, and craft classes. The Center also organizes bus trips and tours to different places, allowing seniors to explore and have fun.

The Center has an exercise area that overlooks the outdoor pool. It includes traditional equipment like treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines. It also has Echelon Reflect home gym mirrors, which provide virtual personalized training sessions for senior clients.

The Center is committed to the Meals on Wheels program, which serves about 14,000 meals each month to senior residents in Comal, Guadalupe, Wilson, and Karnes counties. The meals are free for the clients. The Center also offers a pet program covering home-bound clients’ veterinary care and food.

The Center was established in 1985 and supports seniors and disabled individuals aged 18 and older. The Center has expanded its services over the years and now offers a range of programs for its members.

The Center is proud to partner with the McKenna Foundation, which recently granted the Center $50,000 to support its senior nutrition program in Comal County. The program addresses food insecurity, hunger, and social isolation among senior residents. It includes initiatives such as Meals on Wheels and congregate meal programs offered at the Center.

For more information about the Center and its memberships, call 830-629-4547.

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Your voice matters: McKenna Foundation invites public input on community needs assessment survey

UPDATE: The deadline for participating in the survey has been extended to Feb. 23.

January 26, 2024: The McKenna Foundation invites the public to share their views on the needs of New Braunfels and Comal County by participating in a community needs assessment survey.

Public input on the eight-item survey will help the Foundation shape future investments in area nonprofit organizations for the community’s benefit.

The items cover public transportation, child abuse and neglect, housing programs, mental health, and child care, and the participants are asked to rate their importance and satisfaction levels.

“We began our journey as the McKenna Foundation as students of the community, which is a role that will never change,” said McKenna Foundation CEO Alice Jewell. “How best to invest resources needs to be informed from multiple perspectives, so we make an impact on the community’s biggest needs.”

To participate in the survey, go to www.mckenna.org and click on “2024 Community Needs Survey.” The survey is available for public input until Feb. 16.

The Foundation conducted a similar survey in 2018. Participation in the survey is anonymous. For any inquiries about the study or its purpose, email the Foundation at grants@mckenna.org.