Fresh produce helps Keith’s family in a time of need
For many of our East Texas neighbors who struggle with hunger, the COVID-19 pandemic placed an additional amount of stress on their families and limited budgets. With 1 in 5 East Texans, including 1 in 3 children, facing hunger today, the need for food assistance remains high.
We met Keith recently at one of our drive-thru produce distributions. He shared with us that it was his first time to receive help.
“I’ve been cut back at my restaurant job to bare minimum hours,” Keith said. “I went from 40+ hours a week to 20 to 25 hours. I’m blessed to be working at all, but that really strains my pocketbook.”
Keith lives with his wife and mother at home. Fortunately, none of them had been directly affected by the COVID-19 virus.
“My sister got COVID and several of my church members had it,” he said adding that his sister is much better now. “It was all around me, but we wanted to be especially careful because my mother is 77 years old.”
Keith told us he was very appreciative of receiving the fresh, healthy produce from the distribution, and can’t wait to use it.
“It’s a good thing for people like me who need it,” he said. “I appreciate it. My family appreciates it. Thank you to everyone that makes it possible.”
If you would like to help families like Keith’s that the East Texas Food Bank works to feed each day, you can make a donation online, volunteer with us or host a virtual food drive.