Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi launches 40 Cans for Lent drive

Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi has launched its annual 40 Cans for Lent food drive, asking Coastal Bend residents, parishes, schools and community groups to turn Lenten sacrifice into meals for neighbors facing hunger. Organizers say the drive begins on Ash Wednesday and will run through Easter Sunday, with Catholic Charities’ social posts specifying a Feb. 18 start and an April 5 end in 2026.

The drive requests canned goods, dry goods and other nonperishable food items, with an explicit call for healthy and specialty products. “Many people in our community struggle with chronic diseases and food insecurity. Please consider donating healthy alternatives such as low-fat, low-sugar, low-sodium, and diabetic-friendly items,” said staff. The initiative aims to better match pantry inventory to the dietary needs of clients managing chronic conditions.

Anita Rivera, Emergency Aid Director at Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, framed the effort in spiritual and practical terms. “Lent calls us to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, to turn our hearts toward God and toward our neighbors,” Rivera said. “Through 40 Cans for Lent, each donation becomes a tangible act of compassion. It’s a simple way to transform daily sacrifice into hope and nourishment for those who struggle with hunger every day.”

Catholic Charities reported a sharp rise in demand for emergency aid, saying the need for assistance has jumped by nearly 70% in the past year. That surge places added pressure on local nonprofit operations, storage capacity and distribution networks, and has implications for municipal social services and budget planners who track food insecurity and public assistance metrics.

Donation collection bins will be placed at participating Catholic parishes and partner organizations across the Coastal Bend. Organizers list multiple beneficiary sites that will receive and distribute collected items, including Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi at 615 Oliver Ct., Corpus Christi; Holy Family Catholic Church at 2509 Nogales St., Corpus Christi; Catholic Charities in Flour Bluff; St. Gertrude the Great Parish in Kingsville; Sacred Heart Parishes in Mathis and Sinton; and the Mother Teresa Shelter.

Groups or individuals who need a pickup or have questions can contact Ralph Chavez at 361-884-0651, ext. 240. Catholic Charities’ communications contact is Amanda Gomez; her listed email is agomez@dioceasecc.org.

For Jim Wells County residents, the drive represents both a practical way to support neighbors and a prompt for local civic leaders to track rising need. Donations tailored to low-sugar, low-sodium and diabetic-friendly diets can reduce strain on healthcare costs and improve outcomes for residents with chronic conditions. Organizers will collect and distribute food through their network of parishes and shelters during Lent; residents who want to participate should plan ahead for drop-off or arrange a bin pickup.