Michael Hetrick, Author at East Texas Food Bank

Truckload of Donated Food Arrives in Tyler—one of 250 donations across the US— as America250 and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Support Families Facing Hunger

TYLER, TX – As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, America250, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and East Texas Food Bank will welcome a fully-loaded JustServe/America250 branded truck carrying up to 40,000 pounds of Church-donated food for families in need across East Texas.

This is part of a national collaboration kicked off in November 2025, in which 250 truckloads of food will be donated to communities in all 50 states, with one in Dallas recently delivered in May of this year. Through America250’s America Gives initiative and the Church’s JustServe platform, volunteers, local leaders, and community organizations are coming together to put service into action. JustServe is a community service platform sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that connects volunteers with local service opportunities. Its purpose is to help individuals and organizations strengthen their communities by serving together. There will be a service project following the donation. Volunteers will help bag, pack, and box food for later distribution to individuals and local families in need.

The Church is using its established infrastructure, volunteer network, and humanitarian food resources to help bring America250 into neighborhoods like those in Tyler, turning a national commemoration into local service. The Church has a long-standing partnership with the East Texas Food Bank, with truckloads of food arriving annually. Most recently the Church donated 15,000 pounds of meat in June of this year.

The 250 deliveries will provide millions of meals to families in need across the United States as part of the America Gives initiative. Congressman Nathaniel Moran will be in attendance as well as Church and community leaders.

A special “Heart of Service” award will be announced and presented at the donation celebration. Americans are invited to help make 2026 a record-setting year for volunteer service. Join the initiative and find volunteer opportunities at JustServe.org.

About America250
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.

About The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global faith centered on Jesus Christ and His teachings. With more than 17 million members worldwide, the Church seeks to follow the Savior’s example by strengthening individuals, families, and communities through worship and service. For more information, visit the Church’s Newsroom.

About JustServe
JustServe is a community service platform sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that connects volunteers with local service opportunities. Its purpose is to help individuals and organizations strengthen their communities by serving together.

Beet Berry Smoothie

Beet Berry Smoothie

Image Source: The Butter Half

Course: Breakfast, Drinks

Keyword: Breakfast

Servings: 4 Cups

Ingredients

1 Cup Pineapple Juice
1 Cup Vanilla Greek Yogurt
1 1/2 Cup fresh or frozen mixed berries
1/2 Cup beets (cooked from fresh or canned and drained)

Instructions

Measure 1 cup of pineapple juice and pour it into the blender.
Measure ½ cup of beets and add them to the blender.
Measure 1 cup of yogurt and add it to the blender.
Add 1½ cups of berries.
Blend until smooth.
Pour into glasses and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Try adding ½ teaspoon vanilla if you use plain yogurt.

Try using 1 cup strawberries and ½ cup blueberries.

Freeze cooked beets in recipe-sized portions for a quick fix. Frozen beets from the store should be cooked first according to package directions.

Mrs Baird’s makes donation to fight Texas Hunger

Join Mrs Baird’s in Fighting Texas Hunger! Throughout the month of June, we will be donating over 175,000 fresh loaves of Mrs Baird’s bread to local food banks in Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, East Texas, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio and Tyler.

The East Texas Food Bank received 11,000 loaves of bread on Tuesday, June 9th that will be distributed to our partner food pantries for distribution in their communities.

East Texas Food Bank Plans Free Summer Food Program

The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) kicks off the free Summer Food Program for children on Tuesday, June 2, at 43 East Texas locations with a special event at the Glass Recreation Center in Tyler from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. featuring food, activities and more. The PepsiCo Foundation’s Food for Good sponsors the event.

“It’s so important to make sure children do not go hungry in the summer just because school is out,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “Here in East Texas, 1 in 4 children are food insecure so it’s up to our community to make sure we fill that meal gap when the school year ends and kids lose access to free and reduced-price meals they depend on.”

Food for Good is helping transform food access in rural and underserved communities by using PepsiCo’s logistical expertise to deliver nutritious meals year-round. This summer, its partnership with the ETFB will help ensure children do not go hungry when school is out—tackling geographic, financial, and systemic barriers to food access.

“Summer hunger is one of the most urgent yet solvable challenges we face,” said Andrea Moribe, Director of Food for Good, PepsiCo Foundation. “Our collaboration with the ETFB is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can bridge access gaps and deliver real solutions to families when they need them most.”

This summer, ETFB expects to serve 100,000 meals to over 4,500 children. Meals are provided at various community sites Monday-Friday. There is no need to register. The program is for children 18 and younger.

Besides the meal, some of the locations at parks, churches and libraries offer other free activities for children. Check with the Summer Food Program you plan to visit for more information.

For the full list of locations and serving times visit EastTexasFoodBank.org/SummerFood or by calling 903-597-3663.

Deep East Texas Resource Center celebrates anniversary

The East Texas Food Bank Deep East Texas Resource Center (DETRC) in Lufkin will celebrate their five-year anniversary on Tuesday, May 19 with an open house for chamber members.

DETRC services include a food pantry, benefits assistance, and other support services such as computer stations to apply for jobs.

“This past year we served 1.4 million meals from our Lufkin location,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “Here, neighbors receive not only nutritious food but the dignity they deserve. Our stores are designed to feel like a real grocery store. We offer fresh produce, meats, pasta, soups, beans, rice, and other pantry staples.”

The DETRC at 105 Lofton Street in Lufkin serves neighbors four days a week. Neighbors may shop twice a month for groceries.

The Lifesaving Gift of Food for East Texans
For many in East Texas, the unexpected gift of food has been a lifeline.

Sharon, a Lufkin resident, receives food assistance from the DETRC but is also a volunteer. She takes care of her sister who’s disabled. “We are all like family here. Everyone gets to know each other, and we all pray for each other. We are all struggling but so thankful for the DETRC!”

With four resource centers located in Longview, Lufkin, Tyler, and Texarkana, ETFB reaches families across the region, offering much-needed support to those facing food insecurity.
Wanda, 78, a Homer resident, was married for 58 years and is now a widow. She says it is hard to make ends meet with skyrocketing bills such as electricity. Wanda says DETRC has been a great resource for her food needs. “I love the fresh fruits and vegetables as they help me stay healthy.”

Paul, 80, toured the U.S. singing gospel, soul and rhythm and blues in clubs. He moved back to Lufkin to take care of his 98-year-old mother and extended family. “We love the fresh vegetables. It’s hard right now to pay all your bills so we are grateful to have this food pantry to help us get by.”

The TLL Temple Foundation provided the initial funding to launch the DETRC and continues to provide support alongside several local businesses, organizations, and individual donors.