Chick-fil-A restaurants across the Tyler-Longview, Lufkin & Nacogdoches market are celebrating an overwhelming response from local Guests following a September fundraiser benefiting the East Texas Food Bank.

From Sept. 14–26, participating Chick-fil-A® restaurants donated $2 from every Chicken & Waffles purchase, up to a fundraising cap of $20,000. Guest participation exceeded expectations, allowing local restaurants to reach the full $20,000 fundraising goal.

Chick-fil-A, Inc. matched the $20,000 raised by participating local restaurants, bringing the total contribution to the East Texas Food Bank to $40,000.

“We were blown away by the response from our Guests,” said Marybeth Wade, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Jacksonville (TX). “The East Texas community showed up in an incredible way. What started as an opportunity to enjoy a limited-time menu item became something much bigger — a way for thousands of Guests across East Texas to help provide support for neighbors experiencing food insecurity.”

The fundraiser included participating Chick-fil-A restaurants in Tyler, Longview, Lindale, Kilgore, Henderson, Jacksonville, Lufkin and Nacogdoches.

Held in recognition of Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month, the campaign gave Guests an easy way to support hunger-relief efforts throughout the communities where they live and work.

“The East Texas Food Bank is incredibly grateful to Chick-fil-A for creating such a meaningful opportunity for their guests to support our mission,” said David Emerson, CEO of the ETFB. “Through the recent chicken & waffle promotion, every guest who participated helped make a difference for our neighbors facing hunger. We are so thankful for the generosity of the Chick-fil-A restaurants.”

The fundraiser also builds on Chick-fil-A’s ongoing commitment to helping reduce food insecurity year-round. Chick-fil-A restaurants across East Texas participate in Chick-fil-A Shared Table®, a program that redirects surplus food from restaurants to local nonprofit organizations. Participating organizations can use donated ingredients such as chicken, fruit and biscuits to create meals for people in need.

An 18-wheeler carrying approximately 40,000 pounds of assorted nonperishable food arrived at the East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) on Wednesday, October 14. Donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the shipment will help provide essential food supplies to individuals and families facing hunger throughout East Texas.

The delivery is the latest in a series of food donations from the Church in 2026, including a 42,000-pound shipment of assorted food in January and a donation of meat during the summer. Together, these contributions reflect a sustained commitment to supporting the East Texas Food Bank’s mission of fighting hunger across the region.

“The generosity and continued commitment to serving others make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families facing hunger throughout East Texas,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “Partnerships  help us provide hope, nourishment, and support to our neighbors. We appreciate the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints standing with us in the fight against hunger and for helping us build a stronger, healthier East Texas.”

For members of the Church, caring for those in need is an expression of their faith in Jesus Christ and His commandment to love one another. That belief inspires both the Church’s worldwide humanitarian efforts and the everyday service of its members in communities like Tyler.

“Jesus Christ taught us to love our neighbors, and I believe that love is most meaningful when we put it into action,” said Jen Ketcher, a local member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “When we think about the families who will receive this food, we may never know their names or the challenges they’re facing, but they are our neighbors. What a blessing it is to work together to help care for them.”

The need for food assistance remains significant across East Texas. Serving 26 counties and nearly 20,000 square miles, the East Texas Food Bank helps provide millions of meals annually through its network of partner agencies and feeding programs. Last fiscal year, ETFB helped provide 30 million meals, yet more than 232,000 East Texans face food insecurity.

The Church’s partnership with ETFB extends well beyond food donations. Local Church members, including youth groups and missionaries, regularly volunteer to sort, pack and distribute food.

Through its global humanitarian efforts, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints works to relieve suffering, address immediate needs and promote long-term food security. Partnerships with established organizations such as the East Texas Food Bank allow the Church to reach communities throughout the region, including smaller and rural communities where access to food assistance can be especially challenging.

These ongoing efforts reflect a shared commitment to strengthening communities through compassion, service and practical assistance. For the Church and the East Texas Food Bank, that partnership continues to bring nourishment and hope to families throughout East Texas.

About The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides humanitarian assistance throughout the world, working with community organizations and trusted partners to relieve suffering, foster self-reliance and care for those in need, regardless of religion, nationality or background. Its humanitarian efforts are rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.

Join Jersey Mike’s in Tyler on Thursday, October 8th for a giveback to the East Texas Food Bank. 10% of proceeds from sales will be donated to help fight hunger.

Participating location in Tyler include:
1690 S. Beckham and 4754 S. Broadway

Longview has won again in the third annual “Spread the Love Peanut Butter Drive,” a friendly competition between the cities of Longview and Tyler to support the East Texas Food Bank.

This year, Longview residents donated an impressive 8,657 pounds of peanut butter, while Tyler contributed 4,783 pounds, bringing the total to 13,440 pounds collected to help fight hunger in East Texas.

Community members participated by purchasing jars of peanut butter at local stores or online, with drop-off locations conveniently located throughout both cities. Funds raised totaled $16,121.

“Everyone is a winner in this friendly competition because the food and funds collected will help East Texans in need,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “Each jar donated represents a family that will receive nutritious, protein-rich food. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in this drive.”

The peanut butter drive was held in September in recognition of Hunger Action Month, a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about food insecurity. In East Texas, 1 in 6 adults and 1 in 4 children face hunger—a need that this campaign aimed to address.

Special thanks go to Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, Fresh by Brookshire’s, and so many businesses in Tyler and Longview for serving as donation drop-off points. Emerson also extended appreciation to the many groups who hosted their own drives.

“This campaign was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together for a shared cause,” Emerson added. “Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we are making real progress in Fighting Hunger and Feeding Hope across East Texas.”