East Texas Food Bank Recognizes Hunger Hero Award Recipients for 2024
The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) honored recipients with the fifth annual Hunger Hero Awards as part of Hunger Action Month.
Corporate Partner
UBank received the Corporate Partner Hunger Hero Award. For the past five years, UBank has held the Good for Country concert in Lufkin with top country music artists raising over $116,000.
“We are so grateful to UBank for creating such a unique fundraiser that brings people together to enjoy music and help East Texans struggling with food insecurity,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “We are serving over three million meals in Angelina County.”
“We’d like to thank the East Texas Food Bank for recognizing UBank as their “Hunger Hero” in Lufkin for our Good for Country Concert Series,” said Jack Ellis, UBank Market President of Lufkin & Huntington. “Donating $116,000 in just four short years is something we could have only dreamed about back in 2020 when Good for Country started. We are grateful to have the support of so many local businesses. Creating an event that makes a tangible impact in Lufkin is something we’re immensely proud to be a part of.”
Corporate Partner
Chick-fil-A (CFA) stores in Tyler and Lindale received the Corporate Partner Hunger Hero Award for their continuing mission of partnering with the East Texas Food Bank. Owner/operators of the four stores include: Ikey Eason, Joseph Williams, Joshua Johnson and Jeff Johnston.
“Chick-fil-A nominated ETFB for the True Inspiration Award and this year we received a grant of $125,000,” said David Emerson, CEO of ETFB. “We are humbled to be recognized in this way and thankful for this incredible relationship with CFA.”
The True Inspiration Awards were established to carry on Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy’s legacy of generosity and community service.
“To be selected for a grant, organizations must work to address key issues that align with Chick-fil-A’s corporate social responsibility priorities such as Caring for Others through Food, and we are proud to be a part of fighting hunger in East Texas,” said Jeff Johnston, Chick-fil-A owner/operator and ETFB board member.
Foundation Partner
Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) received the Foundation Partner Hunger Hero Award. EHF has provided the ETFB with over $450,000 in funding to increase access to SNAP assistance at our resource centers in Tyler and Longview.
“Episcopal Health Foundation cares about making sure that Texans have access to improve their health and we are so thrilled to have a partnership with them, “ added Emerson.
“We’re proud to support the East Texas Food Bank not only to enroll individuals for essential health benefits like SNAP and health insurance, but also in its effort to shape solutions that truly prioritize the needs and experiences of those they serve,” said Cindy Lucia, senior program officer, Episcopal Health Foundation.
Community Partner
The Ground Floor Collective received the Community Partner Hunger Hero Award. The group unites and empowers communities by providing resources to East Texans.
“Our partnership with the Ground Floor Collective has been incredible since we opened our Texarkana Resource Center in May,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “From finding volunteer support to providing wrap-around services to our neighbors, they have been part of our success in Texarkana.”
“This recognition reflects not only our commitment to addressing food insecurity but also the incredible collaboration within our community,” said Kristina Rivas-Jones, Co-founder and Executive Director of Ground Floor Collective. “Together, we are restoring lives by providing essential resources and support to our neighbors in need. It is a privilege to work alongside dedicated partners and advocates, who share the vision of a healthier, more empowered Texarkana. Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting our efforts to create lasting change.”
Lifetime Achievement Award
Henry McCant with the Christian Pantry in Cass County received the Hunger Hero Lifetime Achievement Award.
McCant started Christian Pantry in the early 2000s after seeing a need to feed people in Cass County. While some in his community suggested a cookout, he wanted to do more than just offer a one-time feeding of people. He became a partner of the ETFB in 2014.
“McCant makes the drive weekly to Tyler to our warehouse at ETFB to pick-up pantry staples and produce,” said Emerson. “He cares deeply about the people he serves and we believe he is so deserving of this honor and recognition.”
McCant is also a Vietnam War veteran and proudly served his country from 1958 to 1979, achieving the rank of First Sergeant.
ETFB presented the awards during Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month, held each year in September, to inspire the community to take action and bring attention to hunger in East Texas and the nation.
According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, 1 in 6 East Texans including 1 in 4 children are hungry. This amounts to 217,260 adults including 78,620 children.