Tyler

The East Texas Food Bank is receiving a donation of more than 50,000 pounds of chicken from Pilgrim’s Pride, the food bank announced on Tuesday. Food bank officials estimate more than 39,000 meals will be provided to hungry East Texans during the holidays as a result.

“This donation is so significant because USDA commodities at the food bank are down almost 650,000 pounds,” said Robert Bush, executive director of the food bank. “That includes staples like canned fruit, canned vegetables and meats.”

The shortage creates higher costs for the food bank, said Bush.

“We had to purchase more than a million more pounds of food last year to help meet the increasing needs in our community,” he said. “Chicken and other protein items are the least donated foods we get. On behalf of the families we serve, the East Texas Food Bank is grateful for businesses like Pilgrim’s Pride that help in the fight against hunger.”

The 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 citizen centers and more, said information from the food bank.

“At this time of year, food banks face unprecedented demand to help their local communities,” said Gary Rhodes, vice president of corporate communications at Pilgrim’s Pride. “We’re proud to help the East Texas food bank provide nutritious meals for hungry families in our area so the holidays can be a little brighter for everyone.”

Pilgrim’s Pride is the largest chicken company in the United States, said the food bank, with facilities in Texas and 17 other states.

For more information about the East Texas Food Bank, visit the Web site at easttexasfoodbank.org.