Tyler High School and Tyler Legacy High School recently concluded their 36th Annual Pantry Raid, announcing impressive results at the Rose City Rivalry football game held last Friday. The collaborative effort between the two schools successfully collected 20,000 pounds of food and an additional 105,000 meals designated for the East Texas Food Bank (ETFB). In addition to food and meal donations, the students and community also raised $17,906, with all funds directed to the ETFB.
The Pantry Raid is an annual tradition that began in 1991 as a friendly competition between the two rival schools. Over the past 36 years, this initiative has become a cornerstone of the East Texas Food Bank's Hunger Action Month, contributing more than 2 million meals since its inception. The success of the competition relies on the active participation of feeder schools that support Tyler High and Tyler Legacy, as well as the broader community across East Texas. Students from both high schools dedicated several weeks to collecting the substantial quantities of food and monetary donations.
These contributions are vital for the East Texas Food Bank, directly benefiting its various programs. One key program supported is the BackPack Program, which plays a crucial role in addressing childhood hunger. This program ensures that 7,500 children across East Texas receive nutritious food items every weekend, helping to bridge the gap in food security when school meals are not available.
Jennifer Hines, chief communications officer at Tyler ISD, commented on the significance of the event. She noted that the competition consistently reinforces that the most important victory of the night extends beyond the football scoreboard, emphasizing the collective effort in the fight against hunger. Hines added that the Pantry Raid serves as a powerful reminder that the Rose City Rivalry is about more than just athletic competition. She highlighted that the event showcases the students' generosity, leadership qualities, and their shared dedication to assisting families throughout East Texas.
Comparing this year's efforts, Hines mentioned that the schools collected 137,619 meals in the previous year, demonstrating the consistent and impactful nature of the event. The sustained contributions from the annual Pantry Raid are instrumental in upholding the mission of the East Texas Food Bank, which stands as the largest hunger relief nonprofit in the region. The organization is dedicated to fighting hunger and fostering hope across 26 counties in East Texas.
The funds and food collected are channeled into essential programs operated by the ETFB, ensuring that children and families in need have consistent access to nutritious food. Beyond the Pantry Raid's specific contributions, the East Texas Food Bank annually provides over 30 million meals through its network of more than 200 partner agencies and various feeding programs. Hines expressed gratitude to all who made the event a success, acknowledging the vital roles played by every student, staff member, family, and community partner who contributed to the effort.
