Michael Hetrick, Author at East Texas Food Bank

Hunters for the Hungry kicks off this week, East Texas Food Bank showcases a new deer trailer

This weekend begins the start of deer hunting season in Texas, and the East Texas Food Bank is hoping participants will donate some of their venison through the Hunters for the Hungry (HFH) program.

The program is made possible through a partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and distributes deer to local food banks to feed neighbors. Hunters can donate legally harvested deer to a participating meat processor, who will be compensated for preparing the venison for distribution.

“So many of the people we serve look forward to receiving fresh venison each year and we are grateful that so many hunters give back to this program,” said David Emerson, CEO of the ETFB. “Currently 1 in 5 East Texans, including 1 in 4 children, are facing hunger. We are serving over 34 million meals a year to fight food insecurity.”

This year, ETFB has a new refrigerated trailer to store the venison thanks to a grant from TPWD and the National Rifle Association Foundation.

“The NRA Foundation, along with all the donors that provided the funding within the Hunters’ Leadership Forum, are honored to have provided the financial support for the purchase of this trailer,” said Peter Churchbourne, Executive Director of the NRA Foundation. “After seeing the successful use of these trailers by other food banks in Texas, it was an easy decision for us to help the ETFB acquire this tool. This trailer will help expand the reach for wild game meat donations and allow more healthy organic protein to end up in the kitchens of our fellow Americans that need support.”

HFH has provided over 12 million servings of venison to hungry Texans. “Hunters can drop off legally tagged, deer to participating meat processors,” said Ross Sinicropi, food resource manager with Feeding Texas. “The partner processors prepare the venison for distribution and there’s no cost to the hunter.”

Hunters Deer Donation Locations

The ETFB has two processors that hunters can bring their deer to in East Texas if they would like to participate in the program.

TFR Country Store (Carnes) – 20601 Hwy 110 South – Troup
Massingills Meat Market – 3728 U.S. Hwy 69 North – Lufkin

New Deer Processors Needed

Processors can participate by contacting the East Texas Food Bank at 903-597-3663 to sign-up. Partners receive donation receipts, chub packs for donated venison and promotional materials. However, Hunters for the Hungry only accepts deer.

“Some hunters want to donate feral hogs but due to federal restrictions, the program is not allowed to accepted hog meat for distribution,” added Sinicropi. “Texas Parks and Wildlife Statues & Regulations state that salvaging highway kill is illegal. Also, the program only works with fresh venison.”

As more Americans are seeking out healthier foods, people are discovering that venison is not only a high quality, lean protein source, but is also low in calories.

“Deer meat has very little saturated fat or cholesterol and is an excellent source of minerals and vitamins,” said Kinsey Thompson, ETFB Community Initiatives Director. “You can substitute venison in almost any hamburger, beef or lamb recipes.”

The general white-tailed deer season begins November 1 and ends during January based on your county, according to Texas Parks & Wildlife. Hunting regulations can be found on their website at tpwd.texas.gov

“A hunting license allows a hunter to harvest up to five white-tailed deer and two mule deer, dependent on the county or counties in which one hunts,” said Immanuel Salas, Target Range Grant Coordinator for Texas Parks & Wildlife. “There may be more opportunities to harvest additional deer if the property being hunted is engaged in the Managed Lands Deer Program. When individual hunters donate their harvests, they are directly helping their neighbors. This not only feeds people but also demonstrates one of the many ways that hunters are thoughtful and respectful of non-hunters. It also shows value for wildlife and the sustenance they provide. Additionally, hunters have an opportunity to donate to HFH when they purchase their hunting and/or fishing license.”

Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists conduct deer surveys each summer and fall to estimate deer populations and help determine future deer harvest regulations. The statewide white-tailed deer population is estimated to be about 5.5 million animals and about 327,000 of those deer are located in the Pineywoods of East Texas. An estimated 500,000 white tailed deer are harvested each year in Texas.

To learn more about Hunters for the Hungry visit EastTexasFoodBank.org/hunters.

********************************************************************************

Texas Parks and Wildlife Links

https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/regs/counties/smith

TPWD’s Hunter Education https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/hunter-education

TPWD’s Public Hunting Program https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/

Texas Youth Hunting Program https://tyhp.org/

Adult Learn to Hunt Program https://www.texas-wildlife.org/program-areas/hunting-heritage/texas-learn-to-hunt-program/

Texas Food Banks Mobilize as Government Shutdown Threatens SNAP Benefits and Federal Paychecks

As the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week, food banks across Texas are ramping up emergency response efforts to support families facing missed paychecks and delayed nutrition benefits. With federal employees and armed service members in Texas at risk of income disruption, and SNAP benefit delays beginning November 1, the state’s emergency food system is bracing for a surge in need.

“Food banks are seeing a wave of new faces and families who’ve never needed emergency food assistance before,” said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks. “We’re doing everything we can to meet the moment, but food banks were already seeing increased need due to rising food costs. The shutdown adds another layer of strain to an already stretched emergency food system. Communities across Texas are feeling the pressure and food banks need additional support to keep up with the growing demand.”

More than 3.5 million Texans, accounting for more than 11% of the state’s total population, participate in the SNAP program to put food on the table. This includes 170,000 East Texans in the 26 counties served by the East Texas Food Bank.

“Here in East Texas alone, more than 11,000 federal workers are missing paychecks and turning to ETFB and our pantry partners to help feed their families,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “We are preparing for a surge for food assistance due to SNAP benefits not being available.”

These benefits are typically distributed on a rolling basis from the 1st to the 28th of each month. If the government shutdown continues, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has stated it will not be able to issue November benefits on schedule.

To help Texans understand the local impact of delayed SNAP benefits, Feeding Texas is releasing data showing SNAP participation by county, including age breakdowns and benefit levels. This data is based on the most recent figures from HHSC for August 2025. It reveals that half of all SNAP participants in Texas are children under 18, and nearly 15 percent are older adults aged 60 and above.

Feeding Texas estimates that approximately 126,000 Texans could be affected each day by delayed SNAP payments. This could mean the loss of over $614 million in food benefits statewide if the shutdown lasts the entire month, based on August payment data.

“When you consider that the vast majority of SNAP recipients are children, seniors, and people with disabilities, the stakes become painfully clear,” Cole said. “These are our neighbors, our grandparents, our kids. A delay in benefits isn’t just inconvenient—it’s devastating. It means empty pantries, skipped meals, and added stress for families already living on the edge. Communities across Texas will feel the ripple effects, from our schools to our local economies. This is a moment that demands urgent action and compassion.”

Across Texas, food banks are expanding their efforts to meet the urgent needs of federal employees and government contractors missing paychecks. According to Census data, Texas has 333,992 federal employees and 117,567 armed forces that could be impacted by a government shutdown. These numbers do not include their family members who depend on their support. It also does not include federal contract employees.

“This shutdown is a reminder of how close many families are to facing hunger,” Cole said. “One missed paycheck can mean an empty fridge. Meanwhile, SNAP is a lifeline for millions of Texans, and that lifeline may be paused for the foreseeable future. Food banks will be the first source of emergency food support for millions of Texans whose paychecks or federal benefits may not arrive as expected. This kind of disruption doesn’t just affect individuals — it reverberates through entire communities, straining local resources and deepening hardship for those already struggling to make ends meet.”

To meet urgent needs, many food banks are hosting targeted food distributions in areas with high concentrations of federal workers, including airports, military bases, and other key locations. These specialized distributions are designed to ensure that those affected have access to nutritious food and essential resources during this challenging time. Texans can find their nearest food bank using our food bank locator tool at www.feedingtexas.org/food-banks/.

“As we respond to this crisis, both public and private support will be absolutely essential to ensure no Texan goes hungry,” Cole said. “Food banks are calling on community members, businesses, and elected leaders to come together and help our neighbors weather these difficult times. Support across sectors allows us to respond swiftly and compassionately, ensuring families have access to nutritious food when they need it most. As we enter the season of giving, it’s a powerful time for Texans to show up for one another. Whether it’s a donation, a volunteer shift, or simply sharing resources, every action strengthens our collective response. Together, we can help Texans stay nourished and ensure those facing unexpected hardship have access to the resources they need to get through this crisis.”

Texans can find up-to-date information on how the government shutdown is impacting hunger, locate nearby food resources, and explore ways to support hunger relief efforts by visiting www.feedingtexas.org/government-shutdown/. They can also find their local food bank and donate directly to support their efforts at www.feedingtexas.org/food-banks/.

View the Data: August 2025 SNAP Participation and Payments by County

A Note on Methodology: To estimate the daily impact, Feeding Texas divided the total number of SNAP participants by 28 days. This calculation is intended to provide a general sense of scale, not a precise daily figure. In reality, HHSC distributes benefits on a rolling basis throughout the month, and payments are not evenly split among all SNAP enrollees each day.

Paycom employees help address food insecurity during Hunger Action Month

Paycom Donation HAM

Paycom Software, Inc. (NYSE: PAYC) (“Paycom”), a leading provider of comprehensive, cloud-based human capital management software, donated a total of $32,500 to the East Texas Food Bank and Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. The donation was made possible through Paycom’s employee giving program and company match.

“We’re proud to support local Texas and Oklahoma food banks, especially during Hunger Action Month,” said Shane Hadlock, chief client and technology officer at Paycom. “Thanks to the generosity of our team members, Paycom is making a difference in our communities by providing nutritious food and helping combat food insecurity.”

Paycom’s contribution will provide meals for people in the 26 Texas counties served by the East Texas Food Bank and the 53 counties served by the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, 235,670 in East Texas are food insecure and 413,830 people in central and western Oklahoma.

“We are so thankful for this incredible donation from Paycom to help our hungry neighbors in East Texas,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “We know employees have a choice as to where their dollars go and we are grateful they wanted to support our mission of fighting hunger and feeding hope in our region.”

The Paycom employee giving program gives to many local and national causes, supporting youth programming, mental health treatment, programs for individuals with disabilities and more. Paycom selects a wide range of nonprofits every year, allowing employees to donate to organizations that align with their values.

Longview Tops Tyler in Friendly “Spread the Love” Peanut Butter Drive Competition

Longview has claimed victory in the second annual “Spread the Love Peanut Butter Drive,” a friendly competition between the cities of Longview and Tyler to support the East Texas Food Bank.

This year, Longview residents donated an impressive 6,452 pounds of peanut butter, while Tyler contributed 2,259 pounds, bringing the total to 8,711 pounds collected to help fight hunger in East Texas.

Community members participated by purchasing jars of peanut butter at local stores or online, with drop-off locations conveniently located throughout both cities. Funds raised totaled $17,277.

“Everyone is a winner in this friendly competition because the food and funds collected will help East Texans in need,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “Each jar donated represents a family that will receive nutritious, protein-rich food. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in this drive.”

The peanut butter drive was held in September in recognition of Hunger Action Month, a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about food insecurity. In East Texas, 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 4 children face hunger—a need that this campaign aimed to address.

Special thanks go to Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, Fresh by Brookshire’s, and Chick-fil-A locations in Tyler and Longview for serving as donation drop-off points. Emerson also extended appreciation to the many groups who hosted their own drives.

“This campaign was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together for a shared cause,” Emerson added. “Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we are making real progress in Fighting Hunger and Feeding Hope across East Texas.”

TDA and Food Banks Unite for Hunger Action Month

On Hunger Action Day today, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and Feeding Texas are joining forces to spotlight the urgent issue of food insecurity and rally communities across the state to take action. In light of the recent devastating floods in Central Texas, this year’s Hunger Action Month campaign honors the strength and compassion of Texans who show up for one another in times of crisis.

Every year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) releases an annual study measuring food security in the U.S. The most recent report released in September 2024 shows that Texas has the second-highest rate of food insecurity at 16.9%. That means 1 in 6 households, or approximately 1.9 million families, including nearly 5.1 million Texans, are at risk of hunger.

“I will never sit by and let vulnerable families go hungry,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “During Hunger Action Month I urge all Texans to join me and TDA in supporting the hard work done by Texas food banks. Working together, we can turn our contributions of time, energy, and donations into the resources Texans need to combat hunger and protect our communities.”

For more than two decades, Feeding Texas and TDA have partnered to combat hunger, improve health, and support Texas farmers through innovative and impactful programs that reach millions of Texans each year:

- Surplus Agricultural Products Grant: Since 2001, this grant has supported a cost-effective strategy to fight hunger, improve health, and reduce food waste. It enables food banks to rescue unsellable Texas-grown produce and distribute it to families in need. 100% of program funds go directly to farmers and transportation providers to offset the costs of harvesting, storage, packaging, and freight.
- Summer Meal Programs: Administered by TDA, these federally funded programs ensure children in low-income areas receive free, nutritious meals when school is out. Food banks serve as sponsors by operating meal sites across the state. Feeding Texas supports outreach through toolkits, media campaigns, and partnerships with local sponsors to raise awareness and increase participation.

USDA Commodity Distribution (TEFAP & CSFP): TDA administers The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provide shelf-stable, nutritious, and American-grown foods to low-income children, seniors, and families facing hunger across Texas. Food banks serve as the distribution partners for these commodities, leveraging their infrastructure and network of over 4,000 local partners to reach food-insecure communities in every county. TEFAP and CSFP provide critical resources to supplement food bank inventories, accounting for one-third of the over 750 million pounds of food they distribute annually.

These programs reflect a shared commitment by TDA and Feeding Texas to ensure that no Texan goes hungry, especially during times of economic hardship, natural disasters, or school closures.

“Increasing need has created a greater demand for emergency food assistance, and food banks see that every day in their lines,” said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks. “But we know that in times like these, Texans step up to help one another. Hunger Action Month is a chance to honor that spirit and inspire action. From volunteering at local food banks to donating or raising awareness through a food drive, there are many ways for Texans to get involved.”

Throughout September, Feeding Texas and our network of 20 food banks encourage Texans to take action and wear orange, the color of hunger awareness. TDA will continue to amplify these efforts to support the important work being led by food banks in the fight to end hunger in Texas.

There are many ways for Texans to take action, including:

Volunteering at their local food banks
Wearing orange to raise awareness
Engaging friends and family members in conversations about hunger in Texas
Donating to food banks to support hunger relief efforts
Sharing stories and graphics on social media using #HungerActionMonth

Texans can find their local food bank using a convenient locator tool on the Feeding Texas website. Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap report shows food insecurity rates by county in Texas.