Montgomery County Food Bank Celebrates Milestone Anniversary- 40 Years of Feeding Hope

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Montgomery County Food Bank and commemorates the organization’s outstanding commitment to supporting those in need. Montgomery County Food Bank was established in 1985 by founding member Betty Hardy, whose act of kindness sparked a movement to unite the community to fight hunger. From the visionary beginnings of distributing food from the trunk of Mrs. Hardy's car, Montgomery County Food Bank has grown to meet the needs of the community and now provides more than 9 million nutritious meals per year.

• 2007: The Food Bank moves into its first warehouse location, a 9,000 square foot facility purchased with funds from a community development grant.
• 2014: In response to rapid growth within Montgomery County and a subsequent spike in the need for food assistance, the Food Bank scales its operations and relocates to its current facility, a 60,000 square foot warehouse drastically increasing its capability to provide food assistance throughout the county.
• 2017: Continuing along a path of strong community evolution, the Food Bank founds its Produce Rescue Center, allowing the organization to save fresh fruits and vegetables from unnecessarily going to the landfill and instead redirect them to the tables of neighbors in need. Since its inception, the Produce Rescue Center has salvaged millions of pounds of fresh produce and in turn, increased sustainability practices and healthy food resources for the community.
• 2023: The Food Bank breaks ground on its Build Today, Feed Tomorrow expansion project, which includes renovations to its current facility and an 18,000 square foot expansion in order to provide an additional 1 million meals per year.

Last year, Montgomery County Food Bank provided more than 9 million nutritious meals to those facing hunger through its network 90+ partner agencies. As the population of Montgomery County continues to expand and the cost of living remains high, the Food Bank holds steadfast to fighting hunger and feeding hope. The last 40 years reveal not only the tremendous growth in Montgomery County Food Bank’s operations, but also its strong ties to the community and those committed to its mission, vision, and values.

Montgomery County Food Bank will celebrate its milestone anniversary at its 2025 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala, presented by Huntsman, on Saturday, February 8th, at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott. This year’s event, titled A Ruby Celebration: 40 Years of Feeding Hope will highlight the impactful 4-decade journey of the organization. Each $1 raised will provide up to 4 meals for those facing hunger in Montgomery County.

The Food Bank’s annual gala serves as its primary fundraising event and as the need for food assistance continues to escalate throughout Montgomery County, the funds raised will be more critical than ever. The 2025 Gala will also feature an awards ceremony to honor recipients, both individuals and groups, who’ve made astounding strides in the fight against hunger and have impacted the rich legacy of the Food Bank. A special award will honor Montgomery County Food Bank founder, Ms. Betty Hardy.

Throughout 2025, Montgomery County Food Bank will feature its 40th anniversary with exciting community events and the spirit of gratitude will play an important role in these celebrations. “The history of the Food Bank is a reflection of our community’s commitment to helping those in need. We could not feed more than 80,000 children, seniors, and families month after month without each of you,” says Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank. “Over the last 40 years, we’ve come a long way in the fight against hunger but there is still important work to be done.”

As Montgomery County Food Bank looks to the future, it envisions a community where everyone has access to sufficient, nutritious food. Spring 2025 will mark the completion of the Food Bank’s Build Today, Feed Tomorrow expansion project. This critical project is projected to provide more than 1 million additional meals each year, with an emphasis on providing even more fresh produce throughout the community. Thanks to its rich legacy and invaluable community support, Montgomery Couty Food Bank is moving boldly into the future. This milestone anniversary is an opportunity for the Food Bank to honor its unwavering 4-decade journey in the fight against hunger with reflection, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to serve those in need.

For questions about Montgomery County Food Bank’s 40th anniversary, contact media@mcfoodbank.org or 936.271.8800. For additional information on the Food Bank, visit www.mcfoodbank.org.

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