Welcome to the Coastal Bend Food Bank Team

We are pleased to announce the recent hiring of Tracy Lee Atkinson to the Coastal Bend Food Bank team as our newest Nutritionist. Tracy is originally from Rio Hondo, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M -Kingsville  with a bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition. We recently asked Tracy to tell us about herself  and what she hopes to bring to the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

What does Nutrition mean to you? 

Nutrition is very near and dear to my heart. As a Hispanic woman growing up in South Texas, I have seen the adverse effects of poor nutrition stemming from lack of knowledge and food security. I have also seen family members deal with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension that could have been possibly prevented through nutrition education.  I got into nutrition to advocate the importance of good nutrition, not only live a healthy life but to extend it and have more time with the ones you love!

What about yourself would you like to share?

I absolutely love food! I love cooking it, eating it and admiring its beauty…I’m pretty much a foodie at heart! I enjoy spending time with my family and friends whether that be cooking, eating, playing Uno or just simply being together.  I also have a soft spot for animals and have an 18-pound tuxedo cat named Nixon! A dream of mine is to have my own farm with pigs, goats, chickens, cows, cats and dogs.

What do you hope to bring to the Coastal Bend Food Bank?

I hope to bring a unique and fun perspective to the coastal bend food bank and educate and empower all citizens of the 11 counties the Coastal Bend Food bank serves!

The Coastal Bend Food Bank Nutrition Team offers FREE CLASSES to the community. If you would like more information on nutrition education classes follow the link Nutrition Cooking Classes