BULLDOGS FUELING THE FUTURE: Jasper ISD Launches District-Wide Food Drive as SNAP Benefits Expire

JASPER, Texas — As additional SNAP benefits expire November 1, many families across East Texas are bracing for tighter grocery budgets heading into the holiday season. Jasper ISD isn’t waiting for families to struggle — they’re getting in front of the need.

Superintendent John Seybold announced Thursday that Jasper Independent School District, in partnership with School Board Secretary Tracie Wolfford, the Southeast Texas Food Bank, the Hunger Free Community Coalition, local food pantries, and Communities In Schools, is launching a multi-campus food drive to help supplement local food banks experiencing increased demand.

“These benefit changes are going to hit some families hard,” Seybold said. “We recognize that, and we’re going to take care of our kids and our community. Jasper ISD is stepping up to be part of the solution.”

Food drives happening at every campus

Each Jasper ISD campus — from elementary to high school — will be collecting non-perishable food items. Everything collected will go straight to the food banks and pantries serving Jasper ISD families.

Administrators say the goal is simple: keep shelves stocked and ensure families have consistent access to food, especially over the next 60–90 days while budgets adjust.

Sponsor or adopt a family

For individuals, businesses, churches, or civic groups wanting to help on a deeper level, Jasper ISD and Communities In Schools are coordinating an “adopt-a-family” effort.

Families in need are identified confidentially through campus counselors and Communities In Schools site coordinators. Sponsors can help meet food needs, gift cards, or other immediate essentials depending on the family’s situation.

Anyone wishing to sponsor a family can email:

• 📧 Tracie Wolfford — sb.twolfford@jasperisd.net

• 📧 John Seybold — jseybold@jasperisd.net

Local food pantry hours

The district also provided operating hours for local food pantries so families know where to go for assistance. (ETB will publish those details as provided.)

“Together, we can ensure that no Jasper ISD family goes without.”

That’s the message from Seybold, Wolfford, and the coalition of partners working behind the scenes.

This isn’t just a food drive — it’s a coordinated community response.

Jasper ISD continues to demonstrate what it means to put students first and support families beyond the classroom.