Hundreds of veterans gathered alongside their families to fill baskets up with food at the Temple VA on Thursday.
Shawn Muder said following his six years of service in the Navy he struggled with his health and finances.
"I got out in 2010 due to medical issues. I was medically separated, honorable discharge," said Muder.
Muder said his medical challenges make it hard to keep food on the table.
"One of the hardest things is to feed your family, especially when your 100 percent disabled," said Muder.
In an effort to help veterans like Muder, the Temple VA partnered with The Central Texas Food Bank to provide free food for veterans each month.
"During the time that we've been doing the food pantry, we have served over 5,000 veterans and when you talk about their families that equate to about 11,000 people that we have impacted," said Celia Feller, a social worker with Health Care for Homeless Veterans.
"It means, I guess you could say, a week to two weeks worth of peace of mind," said Muder.
He was just one of many who said they felt that way.
"It's fed me and my wife. She's on disability. And it's helped us get through the month," said John Henderson, a veteran who participated in the food pantry.
The Central Texas Food Pantry Truck provides food at the Temple VA the fourth Thursday of each month and at the Waco VA the first Wednesday of each month.
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