If you or anyone in your circle need help with food or other resources at this time, here are some great places to go for help:
The East Texas Food Bank continuously updates its Find Food feature with new pantry hours/times, and their website includes a Calendar of Events
The East Texas Human Needs Network has also created a COVID-19 page with a variety of resources for community members, including information on filing for unemployment, and updates regarding eviction notices and utility suspensions.
The list of school meal distribution sites in Smith County is on our website of the Smith County Food Security Council.
Do you continue to need help having access to food? View the list of accessible food pantries that have been listed by the Smith County Food Security Council.
The East Texas Food Bank and other food pantries that are still open are in need of volunteers. If you are healthy and able to help, here are some options:
Emergency Box Distributions at the East Texas State Fair on Fridays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Interested volunteers may email Lauren Alexander at volcoord@easttexasfoodbank.org.
The food pantry at St. Paul Children’s Services also seeks volunteers for packing and distributing boxes. If you can help, call Wyatt Bynum at (903) 595 - 5525, ext. 304.
If you know of other organizations, in need of volunteers let us know and we’ll post on our Facebook page.
Thank you as always for helping us ensure that Smith County is hunger-free and well-nourished!
Valerie Smith, MD FAAP
Chair, Smith County Food Security Council
