Author: Michael Hetrick

Cooking Matters class help ETFB empower families to make healthier choices

The East Texas Food Bank isn’t just helping feed people, they’re also helping families change the way they think about eating.

Nutrition Education Manager Kinsey Jeffers teaches a 6-week course called Cooking Matters, that challenges participants to rethink the way they shop, cook and feed their families.

“The first four weeks we talk about nutrition education and kitchen and food safety,” Jeffers said. “The fifth week we go on a grocery store tour, and the sixth week is a potluck and we play a nutrition (trivia) game.”
(Read more from Tyler Paper)

ETX food charities seeing increase in need

Places like the East Texas Food Bank and PATH food pantry have been extra busy supporting people affected by Coronavirus related shut downs.
(Watch this story from KYTX CBS19)

National Nutrition Month: Learn skills to create tasty meals

NNM Create Tasty Meals

March is National Nutrition Month©.  Join the East Texas Food Bank and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in celebration by focusing on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

This week, the focus is on learning skills to create tasty meals.  Here are some tips to help guide you:

  • Keep healthy ingredients on hand – When it comes to buying fruits and vegetables, many factors play a role in which types consumers choose, including nutritional value. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says all fruits and vegetables — fresh, frozen, canned or dried — are good-for-you foods that can be enjoyed at any time.  More information
  • Practice proper home food safety – Handling foods safely is much more than throwing away expired milk or washing your fruits and vegetables. While these actions are important, there are several more common food safety mistakes that can result in major consequences.   More information
  • Share meals together as a family when possible – Cooking at home can be healthy, rewarding and cost-effective. And, according to research, taste tops nutrition as the main reason why Americans buy one food over another. The foods you enjoy are likely the ones you eat the most, so make taste a kitchen priority when preparing nutritious, satisfying meals.  More information
  • Reduce food waste – Food waste — when edible items go uneaten, including “plate waste” in retail establishments such as restaurants and cafeterias — is an increasingly important issue in food security. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, billions of pounds of food goes to waste each year.  More information
  • Try new flavors and foods – Eating right is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. A healthy plate can include foods from all corners of the globe. In fact, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans says, “Healthy eating patterns are adaptable … Any eating pattern can be tailored to the individual’s socio-cultural and personal preferences.” More information

Information provided by eatright.org

East Texas Food Bank to respond to COVID-19 with emergency food assistance boxes

The East Texas Food Bank is working with its more than 200 partners to provide emergency food assistance during COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus.

In partnership with Tyler Independent School District, which is serving free curb-side meals to students during the Community Mitigation Period through March 20, ETFB will be distributing free emergency food assistance boxes.
(Read more from Tyler Paper)

East Texas Food Bank, nonprofits look toward support for vulnerable populations

With all the fear of a pandemic shutting down cities and businesses, the East Texas Food Bank is working overtime to ensure going hungry isn’t at the top of anyone’s list.

While the March 20 produce drop that was scheduled at the East Texas State Fairgrounds was cancelled, residents can find their local food pantry at EastTexasFoodBank.org for the nearest place to pick up food for their families.
(Read more from Tyler Paper)