East Texas Food Bank holds distribution in Longview

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - Some much-needed food was given out in a massive operation in Longview today.

Cars were backed up for a half mile trying to get into the Longview fairgrounds, where the East Texas Food Bank had set up distribution operations.

“A lot of the families we serve are living on the edge anyway. If you have a loss liker that, a food loss, there’s going to be other losses as well,” said East Texas Food Bank CEO Dennis Cullinane.

After the recent wide-spread storms and tornadoes, people have lost power and water. and lost food that was spoiled stored in their freezers and refrigerators.

“We lost a deep freeze and everything in the refrigerator,” said one food recipient.

“If they’ll let me, I’ll to try to pick up for some of the elderly people that can’t get out,” said Jackie Richardson.

Much needed food such as produce and pre-packaged non-perishable foods along with hygiene supplies, were doled out to many who desperately needed it.

“We lost all of our food due to the situation, tried different avenues to try to recoup. Heard about this,” said John Johnson of Kilgore.

“Good variety of produce here today, watermelons, broccoli, squash , cantaloupe,” Cullinane said.

At first hundreds of cars, then nearing a couple of thousand turned out.

“We’re prepared to serve about 1700 families today, got 2 semi-trucks full of food. Hopefully we can help them bridge that gap, and help them get through this difficult week,” Cullinane said.

“In some kind of way, everybody was effected,” Richardson said.

By 11:45 Friday morning, over 15-hundred families were served.

Learn about more food resources from the East Texas Food Bank by clicking here.

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