Five questions with Montgomery County Food Bank's new COO

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The Montgomery County Food Bank will soon receive a donation of $23,000 from H-E-B, and recently raised more than $38,000 at its annual Joey Bolton Open – Shoot Out Hunger Tournament.

Darlene Underwood couldn't be more proud of community support.

Underwood, a Conroe resident, has been with MCFB for more than two years, overseeing partner agencies and as VP of administration.

But now she's in a new role as Chief Operating Officer. As such, Underwood is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization as it continues to sustain growth, meet the community's needs and reach out to partners.

Woodlands Online recently chatted with Underwood about her goals and vision for MCFB.

WOL: How will your role change?

Underwood: I believe in a very hands-on approach. I will be active in the events we participate in to defeat hunger at all levels, from school children to senior citizens. I will also work with our food pantry and partner agencies as we provide food to the community. I hope to raise more exposure for the food bank and more education in the community on how to fight this terrible monster we call hunger.

WOL: What is the biggest myth about hunger in The Woodlands and surrounding community?

Underwood: We live in a very affluent area, so people tend to think of hunger as something that affects poor children far away. The reality is, you don't have to go that far. It happens just a few miles away right here in our own community. And it's not only children. It's employees who have been laid off, senior citizens, and folks who get up and go to work every day but the paycheck just doesn't cover the house payment, utilities, the car payment, the medical bills… it becomes impossible.

WOL: You've mentioned the term "food insecurity." What does that mean?

Underwood: It means going without nourishment on a regular basis. For example, we get paid on the 1st. But by the 7th we run out and struggle to take care of our immediate needs. By the 15th there's no food on the shelves.

WOL: What is the biggest challenge the food bank is currently facing?

Underwood: There are two challenges. One is raising awareness; educating the community on the need. The second is continued financial support to be able to grow our programs. The oil and gas sector with its recent layoffs has had a big impact on our community. Some of those people may become our clients, but also the companies who have been supportive and generous to the food bank have had to cut back on that support.

WOL: What is your main message to the community?

Underwood: More than anything, I want us to work together as a unified community, to not only fight hunger but break the cycle that leads to hunger. We can't do it individually, but we can do it as a joint effort.

Montgomery County Food Bank by the numbers:

75,000 – individuals who are food insecure in Montgomery County

32,000 – of those are children (19 and under)

4,000 – volunteers who donated their time to MCFB in 2015

800 – children who benefited from the 2015 Buddy Backpack Program, which sends backpacks of food home with children to cover weekend meal needs

52 – partner agencies working with MCFB throughout Montgomery County

9 – million pounds of food estimated to distribute in 2016

8.1 – million pounds of food distributed in 2015

For more information about the Montgomery County Food Bank, visit mcfoodbank.org.