Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley has been awarded $247,500 from Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is the fourth largest in Texas, servicing Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties. The grant is approved as an Economic Development Initiative (EDI) Special Project, a program under HUD.

“This grant will help further the Food Bank project, which assists many communities across the Rio Grande Valley.  My constituents’ health and well-being is a top priority for me, so I am pleased that the facility will be improved,” said Congressman Cuellar.

EDI provides grants to enhance the economic development and revitalization projects that they have financed.  The funds received by the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley will be used for the purchase and renovation of an 111,000 square foot building in Pharr, Texas.

 “We are very pleased to receive the EDI Special Project Grant of $247,500.  It will be used for the renovation and purchase of the Valley Fruit and Vegetable Facility in Pharr. This money will have a significant impact on our project,” said Terry Drefke, Director of the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley.

 “I would like to commend my colleagues, Congressmen Ruben Hinojosa and Solomon Ortiz, for their continued efforts to improve our communities.  I remain committed to providing the people of South Texas with services to better their quality of life,” said Congressman Cuellar.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Majority Senior Whip.

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