Montgomery County Food Bank Launches Mobile Food Market for Veterans in Need

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- Montgomery County Food Bank has launched a monthly mobile food market for local veterans facing hunger. The mobile market occurs on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. or until the maximum number of families is served. The mobile market is located at the Conroe VA Clinic at 690 S Loop 336 W, Conroe, TX 77304.

In partnership with Combined Arms, (a nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite the community to accelerate the positive impact of veterans on Texas) the mobile market provides veterans access to nutritious food and connects them with needed resources such as mental wellness support, nutrition education, financial resources, and other essential services.

The USDA has found that veterans are more likely to be food insecure than non-veterans, and Texas has the highest veteran food insecurity rate. According to the United States Census Bureau, the veteran population in Montgomery County is about 30,000 people and 15.6% of Montgomery County veterans are unemployed.

The first veterans’ mobile market occurred on October 11, 2022. It served 172 families in need of food assistance. While the market’s goal is to support veterans and their families, anyone who needs food assistance can attend regardless of their military status.

Each veteran’s mobile market is hosted in honor of a local veteran. The November mobile is held in honor of 92-year-old Montgomery County veteran, Norma Stuart Bomer, who joined the 353rd Army Air Forces Base Unit on March 27, 1944 at just 14 years old. During her time in the military, Norma trained to be an equipment specialist to issue equipment to bomber crews leaving for overseas missions. After World War II ended the following year, Norma discharged from the 482nd Army Air Forces Base Unit. Although she only had an eighth-grade education, Norma enrolled in college and earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a master’s degree and went on to be a teacher for over 21 years. Norma lives in The Woodlands, Texas. She has 3 sons, 7 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Her husband, James, passed away in 1989.


'Veterans are special people who have given extreme sacrifices to support and defend our great country,” said Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank and an Air Force Veteran. “A veteran’s instinct is to serve others before self. This makes it difficult to ask for help when it’s needed. But our veteran community should know that Montgomery County Food Bank stands behind them, and when help is needed, we are here to extend a helping hand... Food is a basic human need, and if you are facing hunger, Montgomery County Food Bank is here to help you.”

To volunteer, donate, or learn more about upcoming MCFB mobile markets, visit mcfoodbank.org.