Texarkana, Texas, is home to Mark and Nadara Sperry, dedicated leaders of the Westside Church of Christ’s food pantry. Together, they have served their community for over 20 years, working tirelessly to fight hunger.
On September 10, 2025, the East Texas Food Bank honored the Sperrys with the Hunger Hero Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition is a testament to their commitment and the impact they’ve made. “It’s been a humbling experience because we serve with volunteers who are essential to our mission,” Nadara shared.
This award ceremony coincided with Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month, aimed at raising awareness about food insecurity in the Texarkana area. According to Kim Morris from the East Texas Food Bank, “Fighting hunger is a community effort.”
The statistics are alarming: one in five east Texans faces hunger, including one in four children. Hunger doesn’t just surface during the holidays; it’s a year-round issue. Morris emphasized the importance of volunteers in addressing this ongoing challenge, stating, “We want to highlight the volunteers who contribute so much to the solution of hunger in East Texas.”
The ceremony also honored Kara and Chad Mitchell, who manage two food pantries in Cass County. Kara expressed gratitude for the recognition: “It’s an honor and very humbling because it takes a lot of people working together.”
In total, the East Texas Food Bank provides about 34 million meals annually through its 200 partner agencies and feeding programs. This staggering number highlights the ongoing need for community support.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue across the country, affecting millions. Recent reports indicate that 10.5% of American households experienced food insecurity in 2021. This level of hunger transcends economic cycles, reminding us that community involvement is crucial.
The efforts of the Sperrys and the Mitchells resonate beyond their immediate area. Social media trends show growing public support for local food banks and initiatives aimed at reducing hunger. People are sharing their stories, raising awareness, and mobilizing resources.
Together, these community leaders embody the spirit of collaboration in the fight against hunger. Their story inspires others to contribute and helps shine a light on an issue that requires collective action year-round.
For more information about the work being done to combat hunger in your area, check out the East Texas Food Bank.
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