MCFB Gets $2M Grant to Expand Services
Montgomery County Food Bank received a transformative $2M grant from the George P. Mitchell Foundation to combat food insecurity over five years.
CONROE, Texas — The Montgomery County Food Bank (MCFB) has secured a transformative $2 million grant from the George P. Mitchell Foundation, a significant financial infusion designed to fortify the organization’s efforts to combat food insecurity across the region.
The funding, structured as a five-year commitment, provides a rare level of financial predictability for the non-profit. According to MCFB leadership, the first installment of $400,000 has already been received and is being deployed to bolster core operations and expand the reach of several high-impact programs.
The George P. Mitchell Foundation, established by the late billionaire businessman and philanthropist who played a pivotal role in the development of The Woodlands, has long focused its charitable efforts on sustainability and community enrichment. This grant serves as a major endorsement of the Food Bank’s strategic growth plans.
Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Food Bank, noted that the timing of the gift is critical as the cost of living continues to exert pressure on families throughout the county.
The initial $400,000 allocation is earmarked for two of the organization’s most vital outreach pillars: the mobile pantry program and the school pantry initiative. The mobile pantries serve as the Food Bank’s front line, transporting fresh produce and shelf-stable goods to "food deserts" and rural pockets of the county where residents face transportation barriers. Simultaneously, the school pantry program addresses a persistent local challenge by providing students and their families with consistent access to nutritious meals outside of traditional school lunch hours.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Montgomery County, one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. Despite the county’s overall economic prosperity, thousands of residents—including children, seniors, and veterans—struggle with reliable access to food. According to the most recent data from Feeding America’s "Map the Meal Gap" study, the food insecurity rate in Montgomery County continues to impact a significant portion of the population, often driven by inflation and the rising costs of housing.
This $2 million investment will allow the Food Bank to transition from reactive, short-term planning to long-term capacity building. Beyond just purchasing food, the funds are expected to support the logistics, staffing, and facility upgrades necessary to distribute more efficiently.
The Montgomery County Food Bank, a member of the Feeding America network, serves a vast network of partner agencies, including local pantries, shelters, and faith-based organizations. Through these partnerships, the Food Bank distributes millions of meals annually.
For those interested in supporting the Food Bank’s mission or learning more about the programs funded by this grant, information is available at mcfoodbank.org. The organization also encourages residents to participate in upcoming volunteer opportunities or to donate directly to assist in their ongoing efforts to address hunger in the local community.