East Texas Food Bank receives grant

Sen. Kevin Eltife takes part in a check presentation to the East Texas Food Bank.

On Thursday, Dec. 21, the Beaumont Foundation of America presented the East Texas Food Bank with a check for $30,000. This donation will be used to provide food for those in need across East Texas and also to encourage others to give support as well.

"The East Texas Food Bank is grateful for the generous support of the Beaumont Foundation," said Robert L. Bush, executive director, East Texas Food Bank. "This donation will generate enough food to provide more than 240,000 nutritious meals to children, families, and seniors in need through our partner network of 200 member agencies across 20,000 square miles of rural East Texas."

Those presenting the donation included Texas District 1 State Senator Kevin Eltife. Sen. Eltife is a longtime supporter and member of the East Texas Food Bank's Advisory Board of Directors. Previously, Sen. Eltife served on the Tyler City Council for three terms before serving as Mayor of Tyler for an additional three terms.

To Heat or Eat?

"To Heat or Eat?" fund-raising and food drives throughout the winter will help the Food Bank feed hungry neighbors who may have to choose whether they pay for heat or buy food. East Texas Food Bank distributed 14 million pounds of food to its member agencies in 2005.

There has been more than a 20 percent increased need for nutritious food to help feed hungry people in East Texas this year. East Texas Food Bank is depending more than ever on the generosity of its communities for donations of food and funds to meet increasing demands for emergency food assistance. You Can Make

a Difference!

To sponsor a food drive, contact Rosemary McClain, food source director, East Texas Food Bank, 903.597.3663, rmcclain@secondharvest.org. The Food Bank welcomes all canned food donations but especially needs canned protein; beef stew, chili, ham, tuna, salmon, sardines, macaroni and cheese, soups and peanut but- ter. Donate online; one dollar will provide eight meals, or donate to the Virtual Food Drive at www.etexfoodbank.org. "Heat or Eat" food drives sponsored by churches, businesses and schools throughout the 26 counties of East Texas will help stock Food Bank member pantries and other agencies that serve the hungry people in their communities.

Established in 2001, the Beaumont Foundation of America supports the lives of underprivileged individuals and populations and collaboration with partners in the community in an effort to yield positive social change. For more information about the Beaumont Foundation, visit www.bmtfoundation.com

The East Texas Food Bank provides food to 26 counties and more than 200 member agencies including food pantries, emergency relief agencies, shelters, children's homes, day

care centers, rehabilitation programs, senior citizens centers and other outreach programs. More information on the East Texas Food Bank can be found at www.easttexasfoodbank.org.