Author: Michael Hetrick

Tyler high schools compete to feed the hungry in annual Pantry Raid competition

Students at Robert E. Lee High School and John Tyler High School are collecting canned food and monetary donations for the 29th annual Pantry Raid. Each student body hopes to out-donate the other to win a trophy and bragging rights.

“I think the Pantry Raid is a great cause,” Robert E. Lee High School Student Council President Michael Foley, 18, said. “I’ve had the opportunity over the years to do service projects where I see the need in the community for food. To be able to help as a student makes you humble.”
(Read this story from Tyler Morning Telegraph)

REL & JT Principals talk about their schools Pantry Raid competition

The 29th annual Pantry Raid competition between Tyler Lee and John Tyler High School students has kicked off.

Every year, the students at both Tyler ISD high schools have a friendly competition each year to help feed hungry East Texans.

Students are asking the community for their help by donating non-perishable food items or funds at the school of their choice.
(Watch more here from KETK)

East Texas Food Bank sees benefits from China tariffs

President Trump announced this week that he is putting off new tariffs on Chinese goods.

But experts say those tariffs were actually leading to more options for food distribution centers in East Texas and across the country.

GMET’s Brennon Gurley explains how it’s actually helping food banks.

“The unintended benefit to the trade war has been a lot of healthy foods coming in for clients in our pantries,” says Dennis Cullinane, Chief Executive Officer, East Texas Food Bank.
(Read and watch this story from KLTV 7)

‘Produce Drop and Community Resource Roadshow’ helps food-insecure families

Hundreds of families came out to a new event offering free healthy produce and information about community resources.

The Smith County Food Security Council and the East Texas Food Bank teamed up to put on the first “Produce Drop and Community Resource Roadshow” at New Days Community Church on Tuesday.
(Read more from Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Smith County Food Security Council hosts program offering fresh produce, info on community resources

The Smith County Food Security Council and the East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) hosted an all-day event Tuesday where East Texans could fill their grocery bags and learn more about the resources the community offers.

The ETFB will handed out free, fresh produce during the Produce Drop and Community Resource Roadshow for the Smith County Food Security Council.
(Read and watch from KLTV 7)