The July 4th weekend brought catastrophic flooding to Central Texas, leaving many in Kingsland grappling with sudden loss and displacement. Among them was an elderly woman who narrowly escaped danger as floodwaters surged into her home, rising seven feet.

"She climbed onto a kitchen counter, clinging to her large German shepherd for safety," said Amanda Johnson, director of Sharing the Harvest, a key partner of the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB).

This woman, like many seniors in the area, now faces the challenge of rebuilding with limited resources, often relying on temporary hotel accommodations with only basic amenities like microwaves. Sharing the Harvest and CTFB have swiftly adapted their food distributions to provide easy-to-prepare meals tailored to these circumstances.



"Delivering food and pet supplies to her brought tears of gratitude," Johnson shared. "Despite losing so much, her trust in our community's support has only deepened."

Rising Needs Across the Region

The floods have not only affected Kingsland residents but also brought an influx of displaced families from surrounding areas seeking refuge with relatives or in temporary shelters. Johnson noted a sharp increase in demand for essentials compared to the 2018 floods, which directly hit Kingsland.



"This time, we're seeing people from nearby towns moving here to rebuild their lives," she explained. "The need for food, hygiene items, and other supplies has grown significantly."

A Community Effort in Action

On July 21, the Kingsland Community Center buzzed with activity as Sharing the Harvest and CTFB hosted an emergency distribution event. Long lines of cars waited to receive pantry staples, cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, and pet food. This effort was made possible through partnerships with local organizations like The Ark, Marble Falls, Kingsland Chamber of Commerce, Delta Phi Chapter, and the Pregnancy and Life Center.

Volunteers worked tirelessly, ensuring that every family left with the resources they needed to navigate the aftermath of the floods.

Strength in Unity

Johnson has been deeply moved by the community's response. "The outpouring of support has been incredible," she said. "Our collaboration with the Central Texas Food Bank and local partners has made such a difference in reaching those in need."

Since its founding in 1994, Sharing the Harvest has been a cornerstone of Kingsland, going beyond food assistance to foster community resilience. With a new facility donated by First Baptist Church of Kingsland, the organization plans to expand its hours to include evenings and weekends, making services more accessible for working families and seniors.

"This work is about meeting people where they are," Johnson said. "We’re committed to being there for our neighbors, not just today but for the long haul."

A Long Road to Recovery

The path to recovery will be lengthy, with needs persisting long after the floodwaters have receded. "We’re planning for the next three months, six months, even a year," Johnson emphasized. "The impact of these floods will linger, but so will our commitment."

The Central Texas Food Bank remains a steadfast partner, working alongside Sharing the Harvest to ensure that nutritious food and essential supplies reach those who need them most, now and in the months ahead.

Echoes of Volunteer Voices