Georgia Guard Feeds 500 Families in Texas Food Drive

When the Georgia Army National Guard's 165th Quartermaster unit arrived in Killeen, Texas for annual training, they didn't just practice military drills. They rolled up their sleeves and helped feed hundreds of Central Texas families.

Twenty soldiers volunteered at the Killeen Food Care Center on Friday, sorting fresh produce and assisting families during the nonprofit's monthly distribution day. The event served between 475 and 550 families, providing each with 15 to 18 varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables through the Central Texas Food Bank's Fresh Food for Families program.

"One thing about the military is having selfless service," said Natasha Sunday Clarke, the Food Care Center's executive director. "We want to thank the Georgia Army National Guard for their selfless service for coming out and sacrificing their time to help us out."

The soldiers had already spent earlier days that week restocking shelves and preparing food boxes before returning for the larger produce distribution event. Sgt. 1st Class Leo Young explained that volunteering simply made sense for his unit.

"Considering that the National Guard itself is a volunteer service, it's only right that we provide a service to our community," Young said. "Whether it be in Georgia, where we originate, or here in Killeen, where we are currently awaiting mobilization."

The 165th Quartermaster unit specializes in aerial resupply support, packing parachutes and delivering supplies from the air for both humanitarian and military operations. Their ground mission in Killeen proved just as vital.

The Ripple Effect

The Georgia Guard's help arrived at a crucial time for the Food Care Center. The nonprofit recently restructured its facility to handle growing demand, shifting to a market-style setup where clients can shop with carts like a traditional grocery store.

Recent grants are amplifying the center's impact too. The Wayne and Joanne Moore Foundation awarded $10,000 for expanded food access, while United Way of Central Texas contributed $15,000. Local businesses are joining the effort, with Caliber Collision donating car show proceeds and Kendra Scott planning a May 30 fundraiser where 25% of proceeds will benefit the center.

Clarke emphasized that community partnerships remain essential. "If there are any local organizations out there that would like to partner with the Food Care Center, we would really appreciate it," she said.

When soldiers train for service, they rarely expect their biggest impact will happen during downtime in an unfamiliar town sorting carrots and canned goods.