‘Hunger Hero Awards’ from ETFB

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank is honoring seven recipients with the inaugural “Hunger Hero Awards.” The accolades of recognition are celebrating Brookshire Grocery Company, Longview Police Department, Smith County Government, Texas Army National Guard 1st Squadron 124th Calvary Regiment, The Mentoring Alliance, T.L.L. Temple Foundation and the Tyler Police Department, for their commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Hunger existed in East Texas long before the pandemic hit and now more of our neighbors – kids in our children’s classes, the barista at the local coffee shop and our working-class neighbors– are struggling to put food on the table today,” said East Texas Food Bank Chief Executive Officer Dennis Cullinane. “We’re inspired by the support we’ve received from the community to help ensure that all East Texas have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive during these difficult times.”

282,530 people go hungry in East Texas and 105,850 are East Texas children. Theses numbers have increased due to the pandemic. Now, the number of adults facing hunger is 5% greater and the number of children affected grew by 10%. One in four East Texans and one in three children currently go hungry, according to projections from Feeding America.