Author: Michael Hetrick

“We feel like someone cares here.”

For the past three months, the East Texas Food Bank has held drive-thru distributions in cities all over our 26 county service area.  The distributions were developed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we saw an immediate, increased demand for families affected by job loss, school closures and shutdowns.   In fact, between March and May 2020 the East Texas Food Bank provided 6.8 million meals to over 112,000 families.  This is a 40% increase compared to 2019.

Even as Texas begins to reopen and people start returning to work, the need for food assistance is still great.  Texas is dealing with the highest unemployment rate since 1986, and new data from Feeding America indicates that 1 in 3 children in East Texas is facing hunger now.  This is up from 1 in 4 children last year.

We met Binu at the weekly distribution in Tyler recently.  He, his wife and two children are new not only East Texas, but to the United States, arriving during an unprecedented pandemic affecting the country.

“We waited 14 years in India for our immigrant green card,” Binu told us.  “We started (the process) in 2006 and learned a lot of patience.”

Once Binu’s family was here, the pandemic created more problems for them.

“A lot of the offices were closed so we couldn’t get our assistance,” he said.

Binu told us he had been coming to the weekly distribution for the last few weeks, and that the items he received helped tremendously.

“We will not waste any food items,” he said.  “So many are struggling for food in the world.”

It’s a struggle Binu says he has seen in India first hand.

“The problem is there and people are suffering a lot,” he said. “We don’t have all of this in India.  We feel like someone cares here. I saw the military serving and police supporting us.  I’m so proud of that.”

Binu said he was so thankful to the East Texas Food Bank, volunteers and donors who help to support families like his during these times.

“Giving food to somebody is the biggest charity you can do a person,” he said.   “We all need food and water to survive so those who are providing this kind of thing is big.  Nothing is better in the world.”

If you would like to support East Texas families like Binu’s, click here to give.

Cheesy Potato Soup

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Cheesy Potato Soup
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
 

Recipe source: foodhero.org

Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 tsp canola oil
  • 2 cups potatos, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 3 Tbsp corn starch
  • 1.5 cups 1% milk
  • 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Optional bacon bits and green onion for topping
Instructions

  1. In large saucepan over medium-high heat, saute onions and celery in oil until onions are clear.

  2. Add the potatoes, broth, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, 15 to 25 minutes.

  3. In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and 1/4 cup milk until smooth. Add remaining milk. Stir into the potato mixture.

  4. Cook and stir until thickened and heated through, about 5 minutes. Do not boil.

  5. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted. Top with optional options. Serve warm.

Recipe Video

Easy Asian Rice

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Easy Asian Rice
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
 

Image Source/ Recipe Source: www.tasteofhome.com

Keyword: Entrée
Servings: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp canola oil
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 pckg frozen peas and carrots
  • 3 cups brown rice, cooked
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 stems green onion
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 cup chicken cooked *optional
Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggs and scramble. Remove cooked eggs and set aside.

  2. Add a small amount of water to pan and cook peas and carrots (or vegetables of choice) until tender crisp.

  3. Add cooked rice, garlic powder and ground ginger and stir to heated through, breaking up lumps by pressing against pan.

  4. Add cooked chicken (if using) and soy sauce. Cook until heated.

  5. Add green onions and cooked egg and heat through. Serve hot.

Recipe Video

Create Your Own Trail Mix

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Create Your Own Trail Mix
Prep Time
5 mins
 

Image Source/Recipe Source:www.nuts.com

Keyword: Snack
Servings: 4
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup unsalted nuts (peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans) of choice
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (craisins, raisins, mango, apple, banana, papaya) of choice
  • 1 cup crisp whole wheat cereal or pretzels cheerios, chex cereal
  • 1/2 cup sweet (chocolate chips, yogurt covered raisins, shredded coconut) of choice
Instructions

  1. In large bowl, combine all ingredients together.

  2. Placec in airtight container or in a plastic bag with closure. Store in a cool and dry place.

Rice Bowl

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Rice Bowl
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
 

Image/Recipe source: foodhero.org

Keyword: Entrée
Servings: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp canola oil
  • 1 cup vegetables, chopped bell peppers, onion, corn, tomato, zucchini
  • 1 cup meat, cooked ground turkey, chicken, beans
  • 1 cup brown rice, cooked
  • 2 Tbsp toppings salsa, shredded cheese, low-fat sour cream
Instructions

  1. In medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add vegetables and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tinder-crisp.

  2. Add cooked meat or beans and cooked rice to skillet and heat through.

  3. Divide rice mixture between two bowls. Top with desired toppings and serve warm.