During its Nov. 18 meeting, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved additional funding for the Hays County Food Bank and passed several proclamations recognizing families, veterans and children in foster care.
The court voted to amend its social services contract with the Hays County Food Bank by adding a one-time $50,000 allocation intended to help with a new generator for the upcoming winter season. According to food bank officials, the loss of SNAP support has already doubled the number of families seeking emergency food assistance in Hays County.
Lisa Young, Director of Hays County Food Bank, told commissioners the food bank served 459 families during a single distribution last week, a number they expect to continue rising through the holiday season.
“We have far exceeded the need we had during COVID….. we never spike in attendance. We always surge and then stay at that level,” Young said.
Young said the additional money will help maintain food supplies and cover operational needs such as generator power and cold-storage capacity for roughly three months.
The action came as the court also adopted a proclamation recognizing November 2025 as Turkey’s Tackling Hunger Month, which highlights annual efforts to provide Thanksgiving meals to local families.
Judge Ruben Becerra thanked community groups that organize the yearly food drives.
“These events show how our community steps up for one another. No family should go without a holiday meal,” Becerra said.
The court also passed a proclamation recognizing November as Military Family Appreciation Month in Hays County, honoring service members and their families throughout the region. The court noted the ongoing need for resources such as counseling, housing support, and community outreach programs for local veterans.
Several officials, including Becerra, shared personal stories related to military service, emphasizing the county’s commitment to supporting families who have experienced deployments or transitions out of active duty.
“I’m glad you put this forth, all layers of generations in my family are military… There is no small job. Everyone’s important, I’m most grateful this is something we can unanimously agree upon.” Becerra said.
During its recent meeting, the San Marcos Commissioners Court approved a $2 million agreement with CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital–San Marcos to support indigent health care in Fiscal Year 2026. The funding covers medical costs for uninsured and low-income residents who rely on the hospital for essential services.
The agreement outlines how the county and hospital will coordinate care, track spending, and ensure patients receive necessary treatment throughout the year. County officials said the arrangement helps meet state requirements for indigent care while maintaining access to local services for vulnerable residents.
The Hays County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. on select Tuesdays each month. For more information, visit its website.
