SWEPCO employees joined the East Texas Food Bank and community partners to celebrate a new partnership with the SWEPCO Foundation that will strengthen efforts to combat hunger in Gregg County.
Longview, Texas — The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Southwestern Electric Power (SWEPCO) Foundation that will strengthen efforts to combat hunger across Gregg County. As part of this collaboration, the Longview Resource Center will now be known as the East Texas Food Bank Longview Resource Center Powered by SWEPCO Foundation.
Over the past year, the ETFB served 1.5 million meals to neighbors in need. Despite this progress, food insecurity remains a serious challenge in Gregg County, where 18.5% of residents, approximately 23,050 people, are food insecure. The impact is even greater among children, with 27.4%, or about 8,850 children, facing food insecurity.
The Longview Resource Center was opened to expand the food bank’s reach, distribute more food, and better serve individuals and families across the region. The new partnership with the SWEPCO Foundation will help ensure the center can continue meeting growing needs while increasing access to nutritious food.
“This partnership with the SWEPCO Foundation is a powerful step forward in our mission to end hunger in East Texas,” said David Emerson, Chief Executive Officer of the East Texas Food Bank. “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.”
SWEPCO leaders echoed that same belief in the power of partnership.
“On behalf of the Southwestern Electric Power Foundation, we are honored to support the East Texas Food Bank and the Greater Longview community through the naming of the Longview Resource Center Powered by SWEPCO Foundation," said Mark Robinson, manager, External Affairs in Longview.
"This SWEPCO Foundation contribution honors the legacy of James Templeton and reflects a commitment to improve food security where our customers and neighbors live and work. Mr. Templeton’s service on the Board of Directors of Central and Southwest Corporation exemplified leadership and deep industry expertise — values we are proud to carry forward as this center continues serving Longview for years to come,” Robinson said.
For more information on programs and services, visit EastTexasFoodBank.org.