As communities across the country observe Hunger Action Month, two regional food banks have recognized the SWEPCO Foundation for its commitment to helping address food insecurity and ensuring families have access to essential resources.

The East Texas Food Bank recently honored the SWEPCO Foundation with its Corporate Partner Hunger Hero Award, while the Harvest Regional Food Bank named SWEPCO Foundation its Corporate Partner of the Year at the Sept. 1 Hunger Action Luncheon in Texarkana.

The recognitions highlight SWEPCO's ongoing commitment to supporting hunger-relief efforts across the communities we serve. Through our Power for Good initiatives, we focus on investments that make a tangible difference in people's lives, including access to essential services like food. By supporting these critical needs, we help strengthen the foundation communities need to grow, thrive and flourish.

"At SWEPCO, we're not just powering homes and businesses. We're helping power opportunities for stronger and more resilient communities," said Mark Robinson, External Affairs Manager in Longview. "Food, healthcare and other essential needs are sources of energy that sustain us all. When people have access to these basic necessities, communities are energized from the inside out."

The Hunger Hero Award recognizes organizations making a meaningful impact in the fight against hunger and raising awareness of food insecurity in East Texas and across the nation.

"SWEPCO has been a great partner in helping with our Longview Resource Center and other programs," said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. "Through our relationship with SWEPCO their donations have provided over 2.1 million meals. Their support allows us to serve more people, provide more meals, and make a lasting difference for families who are struggling. Together we are strengthening our community and offering hope to our neighbors when they need it most."

In the Texarkana area, that commitment is similarly reflected through SWEPCO's longstanding partnership with Harvest Regional Food Bank.

"Food insecurity affects people in every community, and organizations like Harvest Regional Food Bank play an essential role in helping meet those needs," said Lisa Thompson, External Affairs Manager in Texarkana. "By working together, we're helping provide meals, hope and stability for families throughout the region while building stronger communities for the future."

Across the SWEPCO service territory, the company and Foundation support food banks and hunger-relief organizations that help ensure families have access to nutritious meals and other essential resources. SWEPCO employees continue to make a hands-on impact in the fight against hunger, volunteering 218 hours to date at food banks and hunger-relief organizations across our service territory this year.

Together, these partnerships reflect SWEPCO's ongoing commitment to helping address food insecurity across our service territory. Through financial contributions, employee volunteerism and collaboration with community organizations, we're helping connect families with essential resources and strengthening the foundation for healthier, more resilient communities.