Tyler

The 17th annual Pantry Raid — a friendly competition between Robert E. Lee and John Tyler high schools to collect food for the East Texas Food Bank — begins Monday.

“Over the last 16 years the students have collected more than 700,000 pounds of food for the East Texas Food Bank,” said Robert L. Bush, executive director of the East Texas Food Bank, “It’s not only a competition between the two high schools, but they are helping to end hunger in East Texas.”

The announcement of which school collected the most food (taking into account the student body size) will be made during a pre-game ceremony during the John Tyler and Lee football game on Nov. 2.

In statements issued by the food bank, student leaders acknowledged that helping others is what the Pantry Raid is all about.
“I enjoy being involved in student activities to better the community. I think it’s important for students to help the community. If we win or we lose, I know that the food will help a family over the holidays,” said Emma Cyrocki, Pantry Raid co-chair from Robert E. Lee High School.
“I am very excited about this opportunity to give back to my community. Having this spirited competition and collecting these items is important because it brings us together as a community. The city of Tyler comes together as one for a good cause.

Winning is always a goal for both schools, but it isn’t the No. 1 goal,” said Angela Frost, Pantry Raid co-chair from John Tyler High School. “The Student Congress at John Tyler High School’s number one goal is to help those who are less fortunate, and that’s exactly what we plan to do.”

The East Texas Food Bank is a member of America’s Second Harvest — The Nation’s Food Bank Network. It provides food to 26 counties and more than 200 partner agencies.