A new food bank in Texarkana is combating the growing problem of food insecurity across East Texas.

The East Texas Food Bank Texarkana Resource Center celebrated the grand opening of the food bank at its 3019 S. Lake Drive location, formerly a Family Dollar store, on May 14.

The center features a “Healthy Food Pantry,” offering nutritious food using a model where neighbors can choose what they need. It will also serve as a hub for accessing additional services aimed at assisting families in achieving self-sufficiency.

“Unfortunately, with the rising cost of food and changes in Medicaid and Medicare, more people are needing assistance,” said ETFB Branch Manager Shan Parks.

The center will be open several days a week, including evenings and weekends, to improve accessibility. Additionally, the Benefits Assistance Program will be offered to aid clients in applying for SNAP and various other social service benefits.

“What makes us unique from other pantries is what we call our wrap-around service. If the public knows someone who has a resource in health care, mental health, or anything that can help a person in need, we have satellite offices where those organizations can come in and set up shop, and they are welcome to sit up and use our lobby,” said Parks.

According to the East Texas Food Bank, 1 in every 4 children and 1 in every 6 adults are at risk of hunger in East Texas.

“This is important to me because what a lot of people don’t know is I am a product of this community. My goal is to always go out, conquer the world, get my education, and come back and do something great for my community,” added Parks.

ETFB has been serving the Texarkana community for over 33 years through 10 pantry partners, soup kitchens, senior box, and children’s programs. The “Our CEO David Emerson says our goal is to try to work ourselves out of a job. So, as long as people are in need, we will continue to be here to serve our purpose.”

While ETFB also operates in Lufkin, Longview, and Tyler, the center is projected to serve 300 Bowie County households each week and provide 1,000,000 meals annually.

Texarkana Resource Center Pantry will be open 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, as well as 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

For more information on how to get involved, visit Txkrcpantry.org.