TYLER, TEXAS – Brookshire Grocery Co. donated some $30,000 in grocery products, Friday, May 9, to the East Texas Food Bank to kick off Saturday’s National Association of Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive.

“We are pleased to make this donation to the ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ food drive,” said Rick Rayford, president and chief executive officer for Brookshire’s. “The Food Bank provides a much needed and valuable service to help feed people in this area, and we want to do whatever we can to assist.”

Brookshire’s also donated thousands of grocery bags that letter carriers delivered to area households on Thursday in which residents are asked to place non-perishable foods – such as canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal – and place next to mailboxes on Saturday, May 10, to be picked up by letter carriers. Food items should be in non-breakable containers.

 “We are grateful for Brookshire’s steadfast support the past 20 years,” said Robert L. Bush, executive director of the East Texas Food Bank. “This food donation comes at a critical time as food and fuel prices are rising and we want to ensure that this food gets to those who need it most.”

Stan Buchanan, president of local National Association of Letter Carriers, noted, “As letter carriers, we see those in need throughout our community and it gives us great pride and pleasure to be able to contribute our time and effort to help alleviate some of the need. I also revel in the fact that all the food we collect will stay right here in East Texas.”

Published 05/16/08