TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A Tyler food bank is teaming up with more than a dozen local restaurants for an annual fundraiser with a mission to combat food insecurity in East Texas.<\/p>\n
\u201cEssentially, one in four people in East Texas are food insecure,\u201d Tim Butler, the East Texas Food Bank\u2019s chief development officer, said. \u201cThis is our opportunity to just raise awareness for that.\u201d<\/p>\n
ETFB\u2019s third annual Empty Bowls fundraiser brings together 15 of Tyler\u2019s best restaurants to raise awareness and funds for the nearly 250,000 people in East Texas who face the risk of hunger, Butler said.<\/p>\n
The fundraiser, which takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at ETFB in Tyler, has become increasingly successful in making sure East Texans do not go hungry.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the last two years, we\u2019ve raised enough funds to provide over a million meals,\u201d Butler said. \u201cThat\u2019s just people coming out, having a good time supporting the East Texas Food Bank and our neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n
More than two-thirds of tickets have already been sold, Butler said, noting he expects the fundraiser to sell out.<\/p>\n