Interview by Roy Aguillon
Article by Celinda De La Fuente

When San Antonio is facing a crisis, Southside residents are ready to step up and face it together. In the midst of the Snowstorm on February 17, 2021, local Foodie and Harlandale Educator, David Martinez, was struck with an idea to provide food for those in need. While noticing other foodies posting online which restaurants were open to keep people apprised of where they could eat given they had no power or water, Martinez knew he could do something to help his community and decided to reach out to restaurants he previously reviewed, such as Mini Tacos El Puesto located on SW Military, which was the first eatery to participate in this novel notion. Martinez set an offer Mini Tacos El Puesto would not refuse. He proposed that if he bought $200 worth of tacos, they would match his purchase and donate $200 worth of tacos as well. He would then take these tacos to the school he teaches at to provide for students in need. Thus, began the matching and donations from other restaurants such as Bunz Handcrafted Burgers, Reggie’s Tex-Mex Cafe, and Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas, continuing to provide for many throughout the week.
As Martinez posted about the positive outcome, his fellow teachers became involved in the cause. Furthermore, restaurants were not the only ones contributing. On his Instagram, bexarbites.sa, Martinez’s followers sent heartfelt donations during this time of collective unnecessary hardship. One follower, in particular, Casey Arntz donated $500 because she believes in what Martinez has created here, which stems from the idea of People who have the most, have the most to give, and must also give the most. Though Martinez does not believe he has the most, he knows he has a lot, and knows he must give. He hopes to find people who have more and inspire them to give. It is quite evident his hopes are becoming reality.
If you would like to donate, you can contact Martinez on his Instagram at bexarbites.sa.