Hello. I’m Jennifer. This is my second trip ever to the East Texas Food Bank. My family never needed their help before, but then businesses started shutting down. Like a lot of folks around here, I lost my job really suddenly.

We tried to make ends meet for a while, but without my pay coming in, it was hard. There came a point when we just had to make the call: If we don’t ask for help, we’re going to go hungry.

So we came to a drive-through food distribution that was happening near us—and wow. I was blown away by how easy they made everything. It still broke my heart to see so many people lined up to get help, but the staff here are wonderful. They have a kind word for every last one of us.

We picked up a big load of milk, eggs, fresh produce and other basics that first time, and today, we got another couple weeks’ worth. We’re so appreciative—it really takes a lot of stress off!

There’s more good news: I just went back to work yesterday, so this food will help us get by until I get my first couple of paychecks. Then I hope we won’t have to use this resource so some of our other neighbors can benefit from it instead.

Thank you so much for helping my family get through this!

During Black History Month in February, the East Texas Food Bank wanted to celebrate the stories of both national and local Black “Hunger Heroes” who help our neighbors keep food on the table all year-round.

The Honorable Shirley Chisholm

Many Americans know the Honorable Shirley Chisholm as the first African-American woman to be elected to Congress in 1968. Paving the way for Black women in U.S. politics, Representative Chisholm (D-NY) also played an essential role in the creation of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), ensuring that low-income mothers everywhere could access free, healthy food for their young children. (information courtesy of FRAC)

Chris Thompson. ETFB Volunteer

Chris has been volunteering for about three years, helping with our produce distributions in Tyler. After working with the Department of Public Safety for 27 years, Chris told us volunteering allows him to continue to serve the community.
“Volunteering is so valuable,” Chris said. “You are serving the person and also you are fulfilling yourself. I’m proud to say I’m a part of the food bank.”

Valencia Watson, ETFB Child Hunger Programs Manager

“I really love helping people and especially children since they can’t advocate for themselves,” says Valencia Watson, East Texas Food Bank Child Hunger Programs Manager. “That’s what brought me here. I can do some ‘hands-on’ with being able to help families and children.”

On a sunny day recently, we met John at one of our monthly drive-thru produce distributions. He told us it wasn’t his first visit, but he really preferred our drive-thru method we have been using during the pandemic.

“I’ve been to some other food pantries in town and there was a lot of sitting and waiting,” he told us. “I can’t really do that being disabled like I am.”

John said he just started receiving disability benefits last year, and while “it ain’t much” it is at least some help for him.

“The food I get here helps me out and it saves my grocery money that I can put towards other bills,” he said. “It’s nice getting milk and eggs when we get those. They have gotten high.”

John wanted to thank everyone who helps in the distribution and allows him to receive nutritious food.

“You are helping people more than you think,” he said.

1 in 5 East Texans like John are facing hunger today. You can be the 1 to help in 2021 when you donate money, volunteer or hold a virtual food drive for the East Texas Food Bank.

Recently, Mark Robinson with Southwestern Electric Power Company, toured the East Texas Food Bank and made a generous donation. He was so struck by what he saw, that he wanted to share his experience with us.

“I was quite pleased when the American Electric Power Foundation approved our funding request for holiday hunger programs in the East Texas area. One of our best regional partners for facilitating these types of programs is the East Texas Food Bank. While I always enjoy the large check presentation, what really impressed me was the “behind the scenes” facility tour. I viewed their nutritious cooking training program, their after school backpack program, and their large order palletizing process. With great passion, the staff communicated the overwhelming need, the role of proper nutrition and the importance of their client’s dignity.

As we passed the packaging section, I saw several dented cereal boxes and was struck by a memory from my youth. Usually, our family would buy the damaged discount products to make our finances stretch. But, I specifically remember going to the cupboards in our home and having no food to eat. I remember the pain in my parent’s voice when they informed us we didn’t have the money to buy food. I can still mentally return to our family huddle where we prayed for provision. I distinctly recall to love of neighbors and friends who met us in our need and gave us three car loads of groceries. To a young child, it was like Christmas!

As I left the East Texas Food Bank, I was reminded how blessed I am to work for a company provides a stable income for my family while investing in the communities it serves. It truly is the culture of our employees to reach out a helping hand when presented with a need. I’m looking forward to 2021, but 2020 held a lot of truth for me.”

Their generous donation will provide up to 320,000 for East Texas children, families and seniors facing huger. Mark added “If this year you have been blessed with extra, please consider finding a family in need and paying it forward.” If you would like to donate to the East Texas Food Bank, click here. Every $1 donated provides up to 8 meals for our neighbors in need.