Swan News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Swan Food Pantry Announces Urgent Meat Drive Due to USDA Cuts and East Texas Food Bank Freezer Maintenance

SWAN, TX [5.9.25] – The Swan Food Pantry is launching an urgent community-wide meat drive, effective May 1, 2025, and continuing through September 1, 2025, to address a significant and concerning reduction in meat availability for the individuals and families it serves. These cuts are a result of decreased allocations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a temporary, five-month shutdown of the East Texas Food Bank's freezers for essential maintenance.

The East Texas Food Bank, a key partner in supplying food to the region, recently shared the impact of these reductions:

From David Emerson, East Texas Food Bank Chief Executive Officer:

“The East Texas Food Bank has been notified that several truckloads of previously expected food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will not be delivered. This food equates to 360,000 pounds valued at $750,000.

In addition, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program or LFPA of the East Texas Food Bank will incur a loss of 756,000 pounds of produce valued at $121,000. This program helps to purchase food produced in the state to support local and regional producers.

If funding continues to be cut, this could severely restrict our ability to meet current demand. In fiscal year 2024, the East Texas Food Bank provided 31 million meals. This year we are on track to serve over 33 million meals this fiscal year.”

These substantial reductions from both the USDA and the temporary limitations at the East Texas Food Bank will severely impact the Swan Food Pantry's ability to provide a consistent supply of meat, a crucial source of protein for those facing food insecurity.

"The news of these cuts and the temporary freezer shutdown at the East Texas Food Bank comes at a critical time," says Michal Close, Operations Director at Swan Food Pantry. "We are already seeing a consistent need in our community, and these circumstances will make it even more challenging to provide balanced and nutritious meals. We are calling on the generosity of our community to help us bridge this gap."

Call to Action: Community Meat Drive

The Swan Food Pantry is asking the public to donate commercially frozen meat to help ensure that our neighbors in need have access to this essential food group.

Donation Guidelines:

• We are gratefully accepting all types of commercially frozen meat.

• Donations can be dropped off on Tuesdays between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM at 11364 US Hwy 69 N Tyler Texas 75706

• For drop-offs or potential pickups on other days and times, please pre-schedule by contacting us at michaelclose@swanfoodpantry.org.

Every donation, no matter the size, will directly help local families and individuals facing food insecurity. Your support will ensure that the Swan Food Pantry can continue to provide vital nourishment during this challenging period.

About Swan Food Pantry:

The Swan Food Pantry, a ministry of First Baptist Church of Swan, is committed to providing food assistance to individuals and families in need within our community. We strive to offer a welcoming and supportive environment while ensuring access to nutritious resources.

Contact:

Jeremiah Dollgener Administration Director Swan Food Pantry 903.705.9170 contact@swanfoodpantry.org www.swanfoodpantry.org

2025 Concert & Ministry Fair

First Baptist Church Swan will be hosting a multi-missions Ministry Fair this coming June 29 2025

We cordially invite you to our upcoming Concert & Ministry Fair on June 29th.

This special event will showcase the diverse range of missions and ministries that are supported and championed by our church community.

It will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the impactful work being done both locally and globally, and to discover ways to get involved and contribute your time, talents, and resources.

We believe that our faith is meant to be lived out in service to others. This fair will highlight the various avenues through which we can express our Christian love and compassion, from assisting those in need within our community to supporting international missions initiatives.

We encourage you to come and explore the many ways you can make a difference through your involvement in our church's ministries.

Community Stories

Weekly updates on community news, stories, and pantry announcements.

Tyler Pipe Tyler Texas Gives Back

We're Gobble-ing with Gratitude!

We're so thankful for the incredible generosity of Tyler Pipe in Tyler, Texas! They've donated over 100 turkeys and hams to our food pantry, ensuring that families in need will have a delicious and festive meal this Christmas.

A huge thank you to the entire team at Tyler Pipe for your kindness and support. Your donation will make a significant difference in our community.

#Thanksgiving #Community #Gratitude #TylerPipe #FoodPantry #GivingBack 12.13.24

Swan Needs Your Help!

We Need Meat Donations

Swan Food Pantry is facing urgent problem with our primary meat supplier as they are unable to deliver for the next four months starting in May. East Texas Food Bank is the supplier, but as of May, they will be closing down their freezer unit to do some long over due unit replacements and a new roof. They will not be supplying Smith County food pantries with frozen goods for purchase. This leaves us with a critical gap in our ability to provide nutritious meals. We are appealing to our generous community and suppliers for donations of:
> Ground beef
> Chicken
> Pork
> Fish
> Financial
> Other meat products (frozen preferred)

All donations will directly benefit local families and individuals facing food insecurity. Please contact michaelclose@swanfoodpantry.org to coordinate a donation. We can arrange for pickup if necessary.