A Life of Service: Mary Herbert Reflects on Her Journey to Address Hunger

As we observe National Hunger Awareness Month, we had the privilege of sitting down with Mary Herbert, a longtime advocate for food security and recently retired staff member of the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty.

From her early dreams of becoming a teacher to her years of dedicated service in West Texas, Mary shares how her life experiences, faith, and community have shaped her passion to serve others—especially those facing hunger.

Q: When did your passion for helping others really begin?

It grew over time. Raising my children made me think a lot about how to support others in growing up well. Later, I worked as the executive director of a school foundation where I helped organize an “I See Imagination Camp.” Many of the kids had never even left San Angelo, and we were able to give them their first camp experience thanks to scholarships.

I also helped launch a program called Helping Hands, which began as Christmas in April. It allowed senior adults to stay safely in their homes through small repairs and modifications. That same spirit of service continued with my work in food security at the Baylor Collaborative—especially through the Kids Eat Free summer food program.

Q: How has the San Angelo community shaped your approach to addressing hunger?

San Angelo is a very caring and responsive community. When someone is in need, people step up without hesitation. It’s hard to put into words, but there’s a deep culture of looking out for one another. That sense of community has been incredibly motivating.

Q: What drew you to work at the Baylor Collaborative?

Hunger is one of the most basic and urgent needs. I’ve seen firsthand how hunger holds people back—especially children in school. If they’re hungry, they can’t focus or learn. I’ve always loved food and cooking, and I have a house full of recipe books. So, addressing food insecurity felt like a natural calling.

One of my favorite efforts has been setting up Blessing Boxes—small, public pantry boxes where anyone can take food, no questions asked. There are about thirteen across the community, and they’re stocked with shelf-stable items. It’s a simple way to meet people’s needs with dignity.

Q: How did your education at Baylor prepare you for this work?

Baylor is a Christian university, and that foundation helped to shape my values. Scripture teaches us to care for those in need, and Baylor gave me real opportunities to live that out—whether through campus ministries or community service. That spirit of service stayed with me throughout my life and work.

Q: As a Baylor alumna, what did working for the Baylor Collaborative mean to you?

It meant everything! My husband and I went to Baylor, all four of our children went to Baylor, and now my grandchildren are there too. I bleed green and gold. Being part of the Collaborative brought that connection full circle—it’s been close to my heart.

Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time with the Baylor Collaborative?

One that stands out is a staff retreat we had in Belton. We took a group photo with our arms stretched wide, something my family calls the “arms wide open” pose. It symbolizes living with an open heart, ready to embrace life and service. That moment really captured the essence of what the Collaborative stands for—always open to new partnerships and ways to serve.

Q: Considering your storied career, what message do you have for others interested in addressing hunger?

There’s a hymn I love called Because I Have Been Given Much. The lyrics say, “Because I have been given much, I too shall give.” I think that says it all. Even when life feels hard, we can all find something to be thankful for—and we are called to give back.

Christ taught us to care for the hungry, the homeless, the imprisoned—whoever is in need. We’ve been commissioned to do something about it. That’s the message I want to leave behind.

Mary Herbert’s story reminds us that the fight against hunger is not just about food—it’s about love, dignity, and community. Her life of service challenges us all to open our arms a little wider.

At the Baylor Collaborative’s 2025 Together at the Table: Hunger and Poverty Summit Mary Herbert was awarded the Enduring Impact Award. This award is presented to a Baylor Collaborative employee or partner for outstanding service upon their retirement. To be eligible for this award an individual’s work must have demonstrated impact not only on the Baylor Collaborative, but on the landscape of hunger in a community, state, or nation.

This Hunger Awareness Month, take one step—big or small—toward a hunger-free future. Because as Mary reminds us, “Because I have been given much, I too shall give.”

Today, you can make a difference in your community by:

• Donating to a local food bank or directly to the Baylor Collaborative
• Volunteering your time at a food pantry or summer meal site
• Advocating for policies in support of food access and food equity in your community
• Sharing stories like Mary’s to inspire others to act