Chase Norris

11/
The Hays County Food Bank shows us what’s possible when we act with urgency, partnership, and love.

Let’s not stop here. Let’s end hunger—not just at the food bank, but at the policy level. Because dignity isn’t a luxury. It’s a right. 🌱

10/
If we hired just 3 more grant professionals, we could unlock millions in available dollars to lift up our people. That’s not a cost. That’s smart policy. That’s compassion with a plan.

9/
Yet here in San Marcos, our city only employs two grant administrators. That’s not enough to chase these opportunities—not for food, housing, jobs, or resilience.

One skilled administrator earning $100K can bring in over $1M in grant funding. That’s a 10:1 return.

8/
These funds support things like mobile markets, youth ag jobs, and culturally rooted food programs. And the ROI is real. Some of this funding is free. Others require just a 1:1 match. Every dollar invested can return 7 or more.

7/
Texas also runs Texans Feeding Texans, a grant program supporting meal delivery for seniors & people with disabilities. That program reopens Sept 2025.

Philanthropies like the Communities Foundation of Texas give out hundreds of millions in support every year.

6/
Federal USDA programs like:
• Summer Food Service Program
• Summer EBT (coming to Texas by 2027)
• Community Food Projects (CFPCGP)
• GusNIP for fresh produce
These programs can feed thousands & build stronger local food systems.

5/
In a nation as wealthy as ours, hunger is an unnecessary evil. And the truth is, we already have the tools to solve it—if we choose to use them.

4/
I remember what it was like. We didn’t have much growing up. I still remember my mom driving to H.I.S. Ministries in Santa Fe to pick up food. That support helped us get by. I carry that memory with me—and it drives my commitment to end hunger here.

3/
This expansion was made possible by county & city funds, USDA support, and even a commercial freezer donated by the American Red Cross. It’s what happens when a community comes together. But hunger like this shouldn’t exist in the first place.

2/
Later this month, they’ll open a new, larger facility in San Marcos. For years, folks had to wait in long car lines for food. Soon, they’ll be able to walk inside a market-style pantry, choose what they need, and be treated with dignity. That matters.

1/
This morning, I had breakfast at Rogelio’s with Lisa Young, the Executive Director of the Hays County Food Bank. Over coffee & huevos rancheros, she shared the incredible work they’re doing to feed over 24,000 people every year in our community. 🧵

It’s official: I’m running for San Marcos City Council, Place 1! 🌟

I’m fighting for renters’ rights, local jobs, flood safety, transparency & a greener, more walkable city.

Got an issue I should know about? Want a yard sign? Let me know.

🔗 chasenorris.org
#SMTX #ChaseForSMTX

9/
📢 Want to do more?
• Testify at hearings
• Join lawsuits from @ACLUTx & @MALDEF
• Share this thread
• Organize locally with groups defending democracy

8/
You can help stop this.
📞 Call Governor Greg Abbott: (512) 463-2000
✍️ Tell him to reject maps that erase minority voting power.
🗳️ Demand fair, legal, community-centered districts.

YouTube video by KENS 5: Your San Antonio News Source San Marcos residents voice opposition to controversial Texas redistricting plan backed by Trump

7/
At a packed Aug 2 town hall in San Marcos, residents shouted “Shame!” and “Coward!” at officials pushing the plan. The people know what’s happening. And they’re not taking it quietly.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBHc...

6/
San Marcos is over 40% Hispanic and growing more diverse every year. But the new map would drown out this community’s voice—just as it’s gaining strength. That’s not just wrong. It’s illegal.

5/
Section 2 of the VRA bans any redistricting that weakens the ability of minority voters to elect their preferred candidates. Courts have blocked maps like this before—and they will again if we fight back.

4/
The proposed map would crack Latino and Black communities in Hays County—splitting them across whiter, more conservative districts. That means diluted votes and less representation. It’s a classic VRA violation.

3/
Texas’ current map includes such a district—TX-35—running from Austin through San Marcos to San Antonio. This was designed to protect Latino voters after past violations. The new plan? It dismantles that protection.

2/
A minority opportunity district is one where a racial or language minority makes up a large enough portion of voters to elect their candidate of choice. These districts protect voting power under the LBJ's Voting Rights Act of 1965.

1/
🧵 Let’s talk about redistricting, the Voting Rights Act, and how proposed changes could silence minority voices in San Marcos. This isn’t just lines on a map—it’s democracy at stake. #txlege #Redistricting

Flaco Jiménez didn’t just play the accordion—he made it dance, cry, & sing across borders. From San Antonio to the world, he brought Tejano soul to the spotlight & proved our culture belongs on every stage. ¡Gracias, Flaco, por todo! 🎶🪗 #TexMex #Legend #FlacoJimenez

7/ Lughnasadh reminds us: We reap what we sow—and what we tend. May your harvest be full, your efforts honored, and your spirit fed. 🌻

6/ Modern Wiccans and Pagans celebrate with bread, wine, reflection, and offerings. It’s a time to ask: What is ripening in your life? What labor is coming due?

5/ Spiritually, Lughnasadh balances joy & sorrow: the bounty of summer begins to fade, and we feel autumn approaching. It’s a moment of humble awe before nature.

4/ At its heart: bread from the first grain, shared in thanks. Trial marriages (“handfastings”) were made, songs sung, deals struck. 🌾🤝🎶

3/ Lughnasadh was celebrated with games, fairs, marriages, and climbing sacred hills. Think Olympic trials + community feast + wedding market + spiritual pilgrimage.

2/ In Irish myth, Lugh created Lughnasadh to honor his foster mother, Tailtiu, who died clearing land for farming. Her sacrifice became the seed of civilization. 🌱

1/ 🌾 Today is Lughnasadh—an ancient Celtic festival marking the start of harvest season. Named for the god Lugh, it’s a time of gratitude, labor, and first fruits. Let’s remember its roots. 🧵