SAN MARCOS, Texas - A group of five Texas State graduate students has started a campaign to benefit the Hays County Food Bank.

  • "Help Bag Hunger" campaign has so far raised about $1,000
  • One in seven Hays County residents is food insecure
  • People can donate by purchasing "Help Bag Hunger" tote bags 

Through the "Help Bag Hunger" initiative, they've raised nearly a grand for the food bank selling reusable grocery bags that say “Ask me how I help feed my community.”​

"We have a serious problem when it comes to food insecurity," group member Mike Nyren said. "When we heard the statistics on food insecurity in San Marcos and in Hays County, it was really shocking to us. So we felt like that would be an opportunity for us to really do some good to raise some awareness and also raise some funds for the folks that need it.​"

According to the Hays County Food Bank, one in every seven Hays County residents is food insecure. One bag is $10, which can provide 40 meals.

"We wanted to come up with a design that really started a conversation​. It's all about starting a conversation," group member Kevin Bird said. "This project hopefully does not end with us, hopefully this project gets the word out about Hays County Food Bank."

Group member Ashley Alvarez said she and her family had humble beginnings, and she knows firsthand the impact places like the food bank can have on families in need.

"Every time we dealt with hardships, there was always somebody in the community to be able to help us and reach out to us with love and support," Alvarez said,

She said the "Help Bag Hunger" campaign was created for the group members to give back.

"With so many people living below the poverty line, you never know who doesn't know where their next meal is coming from," Alvarez said. "There is a community of people that care and when you come through those hardships, that's what we're here for, to make people stronger."

The food bank so far has received nearly a grand, and the students are looking to raise another thousand before the campaign ends November 27.

"We're so appreciative that these grad students chose us to do their project," food bank spokeswoman Mallory Best said. "Not only are they benefiting themselves with their schoolwork, they're benefiting their community. An extra $2,000 can go a long way with us."

If you'd like to purchase a tote bag to support the "Help Bag Hunger" project, visit www.helpbaghunger.com/shop.