Mobile Pantry in Lufkin Distributes Food Boxes
East Texas Food Bank Mobile Pantry Serves Lufkin Families Amid Rising Food Insecurity
LUFKIN, Texas – In a vital outreach effort, the East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) deployed its mobile pantry to Lufkin on Monday, addressing the escalating food insecurity challenges faced by many families in the region. The event, which was conducted in partnership with Mike Love and Associates, took place at the Angelina County Expo Center and provided essential food items to over 1,000 households, marking a significant increase from the approximately 850 families served during the same period last year.
Almenia Hatfield, a local resident who participated in the distribution, voiced her concerns about the surging food prices, stating, “What you used to get last year for 200 dollars right now you can’t even get a basket of food. So, this right here is helping a lot of people.” Hatfield, who arrived before dawn to pick up food for her mother and a friend, emphasized the importance of community support during these challenging times. “My time is nothing right now; it’s just sitting at home. So since they’re actually doing something worthwhile, I’m out here for them,” she added.
The food distribution event provided families with a variety of items, including nonperishable goods, fresh fruits, and whole chickens, aimed at ensuring that those in need receive balanced nutrition. The effort was bolstered by an impressive turnout of 96 volunteers, exceeding participation levels from previous years. Among the volunteers was Josie, a student from St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School, who remarked, “We came out here to help the community and to give people food who are in need.”
According to Kim Morris, Chief Impact Officer of the ETFB, the organization is keenly aware of the increasing struggles families face, notably due to inflation and the rising costs of groceries. She highlighted the recent challenges many have encountered due to cuts in SNAP benefits, which heightened anxiety among low-income households. “There were a lot of changes for a lot of families,” Morris noted, emphasizing the critical role food banks play during times of crisis.
As the holiday season approaches, the ETFB is focused on areas within its 26-county service region that require additional support. Morris expressed hope that the food distributed at the pantry would afford families some relief during a season often marked by increased financial pressures associated with holiday shopping and other needs. “There are a lot of pantries to provide food when people need it,” she said. “But during the holiday season, folks just need a little bit more, and that’s what we’re here for.”
This event reflects a broader movement within communities to combat food insecurity and ensure that no family goes hungry, especially during critical times of the year. The East Texas Food Bank continues to play an instrumental role in alleviating hunger and fostering resilience among the populations it serves.
