Feeding East Texas: Jasper Volunteers Wrap Up 12,000-Meal Mission

Photo Courtesy of UMC of the Pines

JASPER, Texas — What a difference a few hours can make. Volunteers from across East Texas rolled up their sleeves Saturday to pack an incredible 12,000 meals for local food banks serving Jasper, Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine counties.

Hosted by United Methodist Church of the Pines, the “Feeding East Texas” event turned fellowship into full-on community impact — with 320 bags of rice, 20 bags of oats, and 20 bags of beans boxed and ready to deliver to area families in need.

“We love this event!” church organizers said afterward. “12,000 meals, 320 bags of rice, 20 bags of oats, and 20 bags of beans later, we are calling a wrap on Feeding East Texas! We want to thank our members, community volunteers, and our friends from the Jasper High School National Honor Society for all of their help!”

Photos Courtesy of UMC of the Pines

Volunteers of all ages spent the day measuring, sealing, and packing the meal kits in an upbeat assembly-line rhythm that could rival any warehouse crew. From start to finish, the room was filled with laughter, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose.

Each meal will go to local food banks and pantries to help feed East Texas families this fall — a reminder that even small acts of service can multiply into something powerful when the community works together.

The Jasper High School National Honor Society joined in the effort, lending student power to the cause. Jasper ISD later shared their pride online, saying, “We are proud of Samantha Melendez, Maisy Fawcette, and Maeve McDonell for representing JHS and the National Honor Society as volunteers at the Feeding East Texas event! These students helped package 12,000 meals and nearly 400 bags of shelf staples for the food insecure of Southeast Texas. We love to see our Bulldogs give back to our community!”