To promote healthy eating habits and address food insecurity among children and families in the Permian Basin, the West Texas Food Bank and Oxy have partnered to activate the new Oxy Farmer’s Market Mobile Pantry truck with a launch event for students at Crockett Middle School (CMS).
On Friday, March 10, the Oxy Farmer’s Market Mobile Pantry made its debut at CMS, offering students a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are both delicious and healthy. In addition, West Texas Food Bank provided students with the opportunity to learn about how fresh produce is sourced, how to incorporate healthy fruits and vegetables into their meals, and the nutritional benefits of eating healthy whole foods.
“Oxy is excited to partner with West Texas Food Bank to introduce our new Farmer’s Market Mobile Pantry,” said Samantha Lombardo, Director of Community Relations and Employee Engagement. “Oxy is committed to addressing hunger and food insecurity in our communities, and we are thrilled to celebrate the launch of this new mobile produce pantry with the students of Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD. The new Oxy Farmer’s Market Mobile Pantry will serve 19 counties in West Texas, delivering fresh produce and whole foods to thousands of children, seniors, and families in need throughout the Permian Basin.”
CMS students also engaged in various interactive stations to sample a variety of fresh produce and view healthy cooking demonstrations provided by West Texas Food Bank. Oxy’s volunteers also distributed eco-friendly reusable lunch kits and a family-size bag of farm-fresh produce to all staff and students, providing them with the opportunity to share the importance of good nutrition and how it positively affects their overall health and well-being.
“We are thrilled to have this unique opportunity at Crockett Middle School,” said Superintendent Brent Jaco.
“Oxy and the West Texas Food Bank have been great community partners to PBTISD, and we are ecstatic they chose CMS for the debut of the Oxy Farmer’s Market Mobile Pantry!”
The mobile produce pantry will travel to many locations across West Texas, making fresh fruits and vegetables available to those who may not have access to healthy food options. Oxy and the West Texas Food Bank believe everyone should have the opportunity to make healthy food choices, regardless of location or income level.
“The West Texas Food Bank is happy to unveil the Farmer’s Market Mobile Pantry to our community,” said Libby Campbell, CEO of the West Texas Food Bank. “We wouldn’t be able to continue to bring such innovative modes of education and feeding our community without our partners like Oxy. This truck will be the first of its kind in West Texas. Not only will we be able to bring thousands of pounds of fresh produce throughout the 19 counties, but we will also bring components of education, curiosity, and healthier habits to those who may not have access in rural communities. Oxy continues to touch so many lives in so many ways.”
The WTFB exists to collect, purchase, and distribute food to feed the hungry in 19 counties in West Texas in partnership with volunteers and community organizations and to educate these partners and the public at large about the real face of hunger. WTFB’s vision is a West Texas without hunger. For more information, visit West Texas Food Bank’s website at wtxfoodbank.org
Oxy is an international energy company with assets primarily in the United States, the Middle East and North Africa. Oxy is one of the largest oil producers in the U.S., including a leading producer in the Permian and DJ Basins, and offshore Gulf of Mexico. Oxy is committed to using their global leadership in carbon management to advance a lower-carbon world. Visit oxy.com for more information.
