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For decades, the building at Villa Coronado Park sat vacant on San Antonio’s South Side.
Now, city health officials say it has become a critical source of food and health support for families facing rising costs and uncertainty around federal aid programs in an area they describe as a “resource desert.”
San Antonio’s Metropolitan Health District highlighted the center this week as part of Healthy Texan Week, a statewide campaign promoting health and wellness through nutrition education, screenings and physical activity.
The Resource Center at Villa Coronado Park reopened two years ago after sitting empty for roughly 20 years. Today, it offers free fruits and vegetables, gardening instruction, nutrition education and fitness activities to residents across the city.
Daniel Jimenez, Special Projects Coordinator for Healthy Neighborhoods, grew up near the center on the city’s rural South Side.
“What this is really, on the South Side of San Antonio, is a resource desert. A lack of hospitals, grocery stores, clinics, pharmacies," said Jimenez. "So, they (community partners) came together to form more health resources to help stand this up. And so, it’s two years and we’ve seen some amazing growth as well as some national recognition.”
Jimenez said the center was recently recognized by Leah’s Pantry, a California-based nonprofit focused on food access and nutrition.
The program also received a Promising Practice Award from the National Association of County and City Health Officials for its work in the community.
"We're the only certified pantry in the state of Texas. What that means is that we offer what they call a client-choice model. They can come in here and shop. Most places will just give bags out," Jimenez said.
Free health programs and food assistance at the Resource Center are part of a broader effort to address hunger and gaps in health access on the South Side.
Jimenez said demand for services has become even more apparent as families face uncertainty around federal assistance programs.
“This political climate, with the withdrawal of support for programs like SNAP and WIC, families are really in need and they’re really hurting. And so, we’re really proud to be here to help in the ways that we can,” he said.
The center’s work relies on partnerships with the San Antonio Food Bank, the Southside Collaborative and local nonprofit A Hidden Heart.
Food comes from River City Produce, local churches, community recovery projects and the center’s own garden, where staff also plan to add a future fruit orchard.
The Resource Center at 11030 Ruidoso St. is open to all residents Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m.
