DETCOG, Brookshire's team up to feed hungry
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

Courtesy photo CONGRESSMAN KEVIN BRADY met with DETCOG executive director Walter Diggles last week at Brookshire Brothers to kick off the "Food for the Holidays" drive to feed the hungry.

"Food for the Holidays" is the benefits tour sponsored by the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, but its purpose is to feed more people better nutrition throughout the year, not just the holidays.

"We have committed ourselves to raising the awareness of the food stamp program to ensure that every family can have nutritious food," Diggles said. "There are those living on the edge of hunger in rural areas of South East Texas. However, only half of those eligible to receive benefits are currently enrolled."

Shanna Fuller, who is in charge of the food stamp outreach program, said she so often finds people who don't realize they are eligible to receive help, including many of the elderly.

For that reason, DETCOG has partnered with Brookshire Brothers to hold benefits sessions at Brookshire Brothers in locations throughout the DETCOG region. They will be At Brookshire's in Jasper Dec. 21 from 2 - 6 p.m. and in Kirbvyille Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. An outreach worker will answer questions and prescreen applicants.

"We will assist them in filling out the application, and it's always confidential," Fuller said. "They can also apply online."

"The goal of this outreach effort is to ensure that everyone who is eligible for the food stamp programs knows about it and is able to access benefits," Diggles said.

"Food stamps are a winwin for low income families and individuals as well as for local economy," Diggles said.

The program helps people purchase nutritious food and helps local retailers and local communities by bringing federal dollars into circulation in the area's economy.

"By defraying the cost of groceries, (this program) allows recipients to use their limited incomes on other important basic needs like housing, medical costs, transportation and utilities," according to DETCOG.

Congressman Kevin Brady helped kick off the campaign by donating several bags of groceries at Brookshire's in Jasper last week.

Local people can donate at the grocery store or at DETCOG any time. Fuller said they will identify needy families to receive the extra donations for the holidays.

For more information, call Fuller at 800-256-6848.