Hubbard Middle School and Three Lakes Middle School in Tyler are engaged in a spirited "pantry raid" food drive, a second annual competition benefiting the East Texas Food Bank. The two middle schools are collecting nonperishable food donations, with the competition set to conclude by Sept. 2. This year, a new challenge has been introduced: the campus that collects fewer donations will be required to fly the winning school’s flag for an entire week. The public is encouraged to support the drive by dropping off nonperishable food items at either campus, located in Tyler, between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The final collection from the schools by the East Texas Food Bank is scheduled for Thursday morning.
The competition, described by Hubbard Middle School Principal John Smiley as "friendly but fierce," is now in its second year for middle schools, having previously involved Tyler ISD high schools. Smiley and Three Lakes Middle School Principal Weldon Davis have maintained community interest through humorous social media banter, including edited photos where the principals playfully challenged each other. Principal Davis initiated the online exchange, posting an edited image where he appeared significantly taller, having used AI to extend his stature. Smiley noted this was a lighthearted jab about his own height.
In response to Davis’s post, Principal Smiley shared a picture of himself on a stepladder, holding a receipt alongside a stack of purchased food items. This stack, weighing 251 pounds, was made to equal Davis’s height. Smiley also humorously edited his own photo to show the bottom two shelves of the food stack removed, furthering the playful competition. He reported that students at both campuses have been thoroughly enjoying the rivalry. Despite the current competition, Principal Smiley also pointed out that these students will eventually integrate and work collaboratively as a single team upon their enrollment at Tyler Legacy High School.
The drive represents a joint effort to provide resources for the East Texas Food Bank, with the competitive element adding a layer of engagement for students and the wider community. With the deadline approaching and the final collection slated for Thursday morning, the ultimate tally of donations will determine which school will face the unique consequence of flying their rival's flag. The outcomes of the "pantry raid" will soon be known as the schools wrap up their collection efforts.
