East Texas Food Bank to receive philanthropic investment from MacKenzie Scott

This week, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott published a list of charitable investments that she is making in non-profits across the United States, Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. According to the article Scott published on Medium, 384 organizations were selected and the East Texas Food Bank is honored and proud to be included in this list of gift recipients.

“We are quickly convening our board of directors, leadership team and other stakeholders to ensure that the philanthropy entrusted to us will help more East Texans access more nutritious food and support services equitably and efficiently- now, during the crisis of COVID-19, and for the long term,” said East Texas Food Bank Chief Executive Officer Dennis Cullinane.

ETFB plans to share details about the gift and how it will be invested across ETFB’s 26 county service area in early 2021.

“This generous investment in the East Texas Food Bank is a vote of confidence in the work we are all doing together to end hunger in East Texas,” Cullinane said. “Every partner agency, volunteer, donor, staff member, board member and stakeholder should feel proud to receive this recognition and investment.”

Cullinane added that the investment will serve to advance our strategic plan and our capacity to achieve the goal of ending hunger in East Texas by enabling us to invest in initiatives and tactics that up until now lacked resources.

“The hunger crisis is bigger than what any one philanthropist can solve,” Cullinane added. Ending hunger and its devastating effects in East Texas is within our reach when we all come together to fight hunger. With this investment and continued generosity of all East Texans, we can end hunger together.”

The announcement comes as East Texas is battling an unprecedented hunger crisis. Texas has the 7th highest food insecurity rate in the nation. Locally, one in five East Texans, including one in three children, is facing hunger. That’s 256,410 East Texans, including 96,350 children and households of color experience disproportionately higher rates of hunger.

“The East Texas Food Bank values transparency and after a thorough review, analysis and strategic planning, we will share our plans for this investment and the impact it will have on the people we serve,” Cullinane added.

The Importance of Supporting Your Local Food Bank and 5 Reasons to Get Involved

Food banks provide a valuable and lifesaving service to over 40 million people who are living in food-insecure households. Without support from volunteers throughout a community, food banks are unable to provide food to the people who need it most.

Are you thinking about getting involved in your community? Here are some more reasons to consider volunteering at and supporting your local food bank.

Supporting a Food Bank is Easy

There are many ways to support your local food bank. Whether you give a financial donation, organize a food drive, donate a grocery bag of canned goods every few months, or even head to your local food bank and help organize incoming donations, showing your support is easy.

Since most food banks rely solely on donations and volunteers if you want to volunteer, all you need to do is support your local food bank and ask how you can help.

Just One Person’s Support Can Make a Difference

Food insecurity is a big issue throughout the U.S., and it may feel like there’s not much you can do to help. You may wonder how “just you” can help or if you make a difference. Even if you make a small donation every year or a few canned food items a month, you are helping food banks keep their shelves stocked and providing more food to the people who benefit from the service.

Never doubt the value of your support at a food bank. Whether you volunteer regularly or just a few times a year, your actions make a difference.

Donations and Volunteers Help Feed a Community

If you live in a feed secure household, you may never know the feeling of being hungry or the stress and worry of being able to provide a healthy meal for your young children. Food is a basic human need, yet there are millions of Americans who are hungry and struggle with food insecurity every day.

While food kitchens provide a valuable service to communities, they don’t erase the need for food banks. The East Texas Food Bank provides nutritious food for people of all ages, particularly infants, children, and the elderly who are most vulnerable when it comes to hunger.

Providing Assistance in Emergency Situations

Food banks are well known for providing food to families for weekly meals, but many food banks are available for help during emergencies such as natural disasters. By getting involved with and supporting a food bank, you are helping others in your community during all types of situations, whether it’s a personal crisis or something that affects the whole community.

Volunteerism is Good for Everyone

Whether you and your family would like to get more involved in your community or you are a business owner, volunteering in your community (particularly at a local food bank) is good for everyone.

Volunteering not only helps you make stronger connections within your community but volunteerism can improve social skills, lower stress levels, and improve physical and mental health overall.

Help End Hunger with H-E-B

When you shop at a local H-E-B store, you can help East Texas families provide the meals when they need it this summer.  Help End Hunger with H-E-B when you checkout through June 22nd.  Look for the tear pad at checkout and donate $1, $3 or $5 at the register.  Help Fight Hunger and Feed Hope in East Texas today.

H-E-B Grocery Locations

• Crockett – 1035 Loop 304 East
• Carthage – 419 West Loop 436
• Lufkin – 111 North Timberland