Mini-Grants Fuel Grassroots Innovation

One of the most impactful tools in this effort is the Hunger Mini-Grant Program, which provides flexible startup funding to churches and community organizations launching or expanding local food access initiatives. These small but targeted investments help trusted neighborhood institutions build their capacity quickly—especially in areas where food insecurity is highest.

Rev. Rubén Andrade Jr., senior pastor of Family of Faith Worship Center, shared how transformative the mini-grant has been for his congregation. With the support, the church extended pantry hours, expanded mobile distributions, and partnered with other churches and schools to reach families across Waco.

“Having an organization like Prosper Waco empowers churches and nonprofits to come together for the better of all,” he said. “Knowing Prosper Waco was behind us motivated me to continue the work.”

Rev. Andrade is now working to strengthen a network of churches equipped to operate their own pantries. “Many churches are trusted community anchors,” he noted. “Our vision is to build capacity so each church can serve effectively. With Prosper Waco and the Hunger-Free Community Coalition, we hope to support more churches through mini-grants so they can host mobile distributions in their own neighborhoods.”