Winter Storm Recovery Resources
As East Texans begin the recovery process from the winter storm last week, the East Texas Food Bank is hard at work providing support and food for our partner agency network through our 26 county service area. Below, we have gathered some resources for those who are looking for assistance during this time.
Finding Help
Food Pantries and Feeding Program
Click the “Find Food” button at the top of any page on our website to be directed to our locator at the bottom of the screen. Select your county or input you city and state to see a list of food pantries in your area. **NOTE: Some pantries may have limited hours or be closed due to effect from the storm. Please contact your local pantry for current information.**
Drive-Thru Food Distributions
The East Texas Food Bank is continuing drive-thru distributions in Tyler, Longview and Lufkin for the next few months. These are open to the public, with no ID or paperwork necessary. Click here to see the latest dates.
Help Applying for Assistance Programs
The East Texas Food Bank Benefits Assistance Team can help you apply for benefits such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) & Children’s Medicaid, Medicaid for Pregnant Women, Healthy Texas Women and Medicare Savings Program. To request benefits information and assistance, click here and fill out the form at the bottom of the page. One of our Benefits Assistance Specialist will contact you about your request.
SNAP Benefits Update
Due to the storm, SNAP households that lost food during the storm can request replacement SNAP benefits. To do this, clients need to call 2-1-1 (option 5) during business hours (M-F, 9-6) to request replacement benefits. 2-1-1 will accept their verbal statement attesting to their loss. Clients can request up to 100% of their monthly benefit depending on how much food was lost. For additional ways to request benefits and other updates. click here.
HHSC also got approval of a Hot Foods Waiver for all current SNAP recipients. This will allow households to purchase hot and already prepared foods at SNAP-approved retailers. This will help people who can’t cook due to power outages, storm damage and lack of water.
Giving Help
With help from our volunteers, donors and advocates, we work hard to fight hunger in East Texas—in times of crisis and all year long. If you are healthy and able to volunteer, you can find upcoming shifts when you click here. For those able to give a gift during this time, your generosity can make an immediate impact.