The origin of the Laredo Regional Food Bank, which began as a simple hunger awareness luncheon organized by the Laredo Chapter of Bread for the World in 1982. The event was held on World Food Day at the Presbyterian Church on Lane Street, and although it was humble and only served a simple meal of rice, bread, and water, it inspired the attendees of the event to discuss the issue of hunger in Laredo and the surrounding areas. The attendees of the hunger luncheon realized that more needed to be done to address the issue of hunger, and the idea of a food bank emerged as a possible solution. Over a series of follow-up meetings, the plan to establish a food bank began to take shape, and in 1983, the Laredo Regional Food Bank was established, becoming the pioneer food bank in the region.