Tyler ISD’s rivalry pantry raid is in full swing

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) – For the 34th year, Tyler Independent School District is hosting a food drive through friendly rivalry to benefit the East Texas Food Bank.

The annual pantry raid is between Tyler High and Tyler Legacy as each school tries to raise the most meals and funds before the Rose City Rivalry football game, Tyler ISD said.

“The Tyler Pantry Raid is a great way for students to bring awareness to the one in six East Texans, including one in four children, who are food insecure,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “Many students’ families depend on the ETFB BackPack program to help fill the weekend hunger gap, and this fundraiser is something we depend on and look forward to each year.”

For two weeks leading up to the Sept. 6 football game, students will collect food and funds to donate to ETFB and their programs. The results of the food drive will be announced during the game’s halftime at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.

According to a release, about 144,545 meals were raised last year and in the 34-year history of the event more than 1.7 million meals have been raised for East Texans. Their monetary goal for this year is to raise $27,000, ETFB’s website said.

“Tyler ISD is proud to participate in the Pantry Raid each year and contribute to the fight against hunger in East Texas,” said Tyler ISD Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Hines. “Through this effort, our students learn the powerful impact they can have on our hometown and how they can support their peers facing hunger.”

If people would like to help support ETFB and put and end to food insecurity in their community, they can visit the pantry raid website to make a donation .

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