In about a week, more than 150,000 Texans filed for unemployment benefits, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.For perspective, that is an 860% increase over the prior week. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services lowered some of the requirements needed to qualify for welfare programs like SNAP. News, News Room

The East Texas Food Bank organized a virtual food drive to help serve the needy in the East Texas area. Donors are asked to purchase needed items online that will be distributed to those in need. (Read this story from KYTX CBS19) News, News Room

The East Texas Food Bank and T.L.L. Temple Foundation distributed 670 emergency boxes of food to people in need in Lufkin on Thursday. “It’s been an hour and a half, and we’re out of food,” food bank CEO Dennis Cullinane said. “It’s painful — we thought we brought twice as News, News Room

The East Texas Food Bank is working hard to provide meals to those who need them amid the coronavirus. “Right now it’s a godsend to a lot of families,” Dennis Cullinane, CEO of East Texas Food Bank, said. “We got a good variety of items that are in here they News, News Room

During these uncertain times, East Texas Food Bank is offering emergency food distribution boxes at several locations. Each box contains enough food for 20 meals. It’s a drive-thru service so there’s no risk of contact. (Read and watch this story from KLTV) News, News Room