El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank is closing its doors Friday, Sept. 25, after storms caused extensive damage to parts of its office and warehouse, temporarily disrupting food distribution for families across the Borderland.
The food bank, located at 9541 Plaza Circle, has dealt with weather-related damage throughout the week. Heavy rain earlier damaged two canopies at the facility’s Mercado area, forcing food distribution to end early Tuesday and leaving some people waiting for assistance without receiving food.
The latest damage is more extensive. Videos shared by the organization show water leaking through several areas inside the building. Staff and volunteers were seen using buckets to collect water, while another video showed part of a ceiling giving way as additional water entered the facility.
Because the affected offices and warehouse are part of the food bank’s day-to-day distribution operation, the organization said keeping the facility closed is necessary to protect staff, volunteers and people who depend on its services.
The closure comes at a difficult time for the organization, which has continued working to meet food needs in the region. El Pasoans Fighting Hunger has said food insecurity remains a significant concern across the Borderland, with about two in five people in the El Paso area facing food insecurity.
The storm damage has also created additional repair needs for the food bank. Earlier in the week, the organization asked community members and volunteers to help with repairs involving damaged canopies and the facility’s main sign.
Residents are being asked not to travel to the food bank Friday because on-site distribution will not be operating.
The organization has not announced a new date for normal on-site distribution to resume. Residents who rely on the food bank should check its official updates before making a trip to the facility.
For a food bank whose daily work depends on keeping food moving from its warehouse to families in need, the weather-related shutdown is more than a temporary building problem. It interrupts a service that many households rely on, while the organization works to address the damage and get operations back on track.
As repairs continue, community members can support the food bank through volunteering or donations, while people seeking food assistance should check for current distribution information before visiting.
