Food For Families founder Virgil Teter urges Central Texas community to donate

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - The founder of Food For Families is making a plea for everyone to get involved in this year’s food drive next Friday as the need across the area is great.

Virgil Teter, who was the longtime KWTX vice president of news until he retired in 2017, is now living in Denver but says he’ll be keeping a close eye on next Friday’s big day.

“Food for Families holds many great memories as it has grown over the last three decades,” Teter said.

Teter founded Food for Families in 1990.

He helped with a similar food drive when he worked at a television station in Denver before moving to Central Texas.

He and then KWTX General Manager Tom Pears combined their ideas and passions and Food for Families was born.

Food For Families has grown to become the largest one-day food drive in Texas, encompassing 9-counties with 19 televised sites in Central Texas.

Pantries are reporting that the need this year appears to be greater than ever.

Virgil said he knows that a little giving can go a long way.

“The need is great this year but with your help Central Texas food panties can provide for those in need where you live for months to come,” Teter said.

To date, Food for Families has collected more than 42 million pounds of food.

Food For Families will be Friday, November 21 from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m.

For more information you can go to Food for Families

Copyright 2025 KWTX. All rights reserved.