MIDLAND –U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) announced today at the West Texas Food Bank that various entities in the Midland region so far have been allocated $61,132,495 in federal coronavirus relief resources from Congress. While there he helped pack boxes of food for Permian Basin families in need. He was hosted by Food Bank Executive Director Libby Campbell, who provided a tour and briefing about the Food Bank’s response to increased demand in West Texas during the pandemic.
Sen. Cornyn also learned about the West Texas Food Bank’s use of federal resources available through the CARES Act, which he supported in March, as well as their outstanding needs as the Senate discusses a fifth coronavirus relief bill. Leadership from Midland Health and the City of Midland also shared how they have used CARES Act grants to benefit the community.
Following the tour and volunteer opportunity, Sen. Cornyn held a socially-distanced joint press conference.
Thus far, Sen. Cornyn has worked to secure $61 million in funding for the Midland area, including:
- City of Midland: allocated $7,953,000
- Provide assistance to local food banks
- Offer rent relief to Midland residents
- Give grants to small businesses
- Fund staffing and supplies for the city’s response
- West Texas Food Bank: 139,000 lbs of food
- Receive 2,000 USDA Farm to Families Boxes weekly
- Receive 2,000 USDA Farm to Families Boxes weekly
- Local Health Care Facilities: $24,682,049
- Provided Midland Health with $17,046,188, which they have used for:
- COVID-19 test kits: 6,448
- N95 masks: 147,320
- Isolation masks: 571,190
- Isolation gowns: 184,080
- Exam gloves: 5,343,000
- Provided Midland Health with $17,046,188, which they have used for:
- Midland Airport: $22,935,854
- Midland Public Transportation: $5,561,592
Participants included:
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
Libby Campbell, Executive Director, West Texas Food Bank
Russell Meyers, CEO, Midland Health
Spencer Robnett, Councilman, City of Midland