Amity Study Club tours East Texas Food Bank Texarkana Resource Center

The Amity Study Club stepped away from its usual monthly meeting format to participate in an educational tour and presentation at the East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) Texarkana Resource Center. Members gained an in-depth look at how food insecurity affects the local community and the vital role the organization plays in addressing hunger.

Director of Engagement, Amber Adams, delivered a very informative and sobering presentation by sharing current hunger statistics and highlighting the measurable impact ETFB continues to make across its service area. The organization’s longstanding mission, “Fight Hunger. Feed Hope.”, has guided its work since 1988, and supports more than 200 food partners throughout its 26-county service area. In Cass County, partner agencies include First Baptist Church & Mission on Hiram Street, the Christian Pantry in Domino, and the Senior Box program, which helps ensure older adults have access to nutritious food.

The need remains significant. An estimated 19 percent of Cass County residents are food-insecure, including approximately 31 percent of children who are at risk of hunger. Each month, the East Texas Food Bank serves more than 6,000 low-income households, providing critical assistance to families and individuals in need with approximately 34 million meals per year. Individuals can get involved through donations, corporate partnerships, matching gifts, THE TABLE monthly giving program, and by volunteering at the resource center or partnering agencies.

Following the tour, members reconvened at Red Lobster for a meal and business meeting. During the meeting, members discussed participation in Wreaths Across America, Dress for Success, and plans for the club’s upcoming 65th Anniversary Gala, which will be held in March. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to service and community involvement as the club looks ahead to its milestone anniversary.