Harvest Regional Food Bank is extending its outreach to the heart of Bowie County by operating a mobile pantry in New Boston on Thursday, November 14. The distribution runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 1 Trail Head Park Plaza, where up to 500 households can receive as much as 50 pounds of nutritious food.
Bringing relief to families farther from Texarkana
CEO Camille Wrinkle explained that the mobile pantry is a direct response to limited hunger‑relief options for residents who live outside the Texarkana metropolitan area. “We realized that hunger relief options were limited the further one travels outside of Texarkana, and New Boston was chosen as a location where Bowie County residents who live outside of Texarkana could be reached,” Wrinkle said.
The event is designed to serve families who may find it difficult to travel to permanent food‑assistance sites. Vehicles will be directed through a drive‑through line, and staff and volunteers will load each vehicle with a balanced mix of shelf‑stable products, fresh produce and frozen meats. To keep the process orderly, the pantry limits each vehicle to two households.
Partnering with local institutions
Beyond food, the mobile pantry will host representatives from CHRISTUS Health, who will provide on‑site health screenings and information about available medical services. “In addition to food distribution, we have partnered with a number of corporate supporters, including AEP/SWEPCO and CHRISTUS Health to provide other services and resources that are often needed by those we serve,” Wrinkle added.
Harvest Regional Food Bank’s 10‑county service area relies on partnerships with churches, schools, colleges and health providers to reach neighbors where they live, work and study. When those partnerships are scarce and need is high, the organization turns to its mobile pantry model to deliver assistance directly to the community.
Supporting families and strengthening neighborhoods
The New Boston distribution underscores the food bank’s broader mission: to combat hunger in smaller, rural communities throughout Bowie County. By delivering fresh, nutritious food and connecting residents with health resources, the pantry aims to bolster family stability and promote healthier neighborhoods.
Community members are encouraged to arrive early, bring a valid ID, and be prepared for a brief registration process. The event is free of charge, and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about additional local resources, such as SNAP benefits, utility assistance and employment programs.
Harvest Regional Food Bank invites anyone who wishes to support its mission—whether through donations, volunteering or spreading the word—to contact the organization via its website or local offices. As Wrinkle emphasized, “Where there are hungry families, our goal is to find a way to reach them.”
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
