Tyler

The East Texas Food Bank in Tyler received a delivery of 111,600 eggs at 10 a.m. today.

The donation is part of a national drive during March by the nation’s egg producers to help feed the hungry, said Karolyn Davis of the food bank.

“Eggs are one of the highest quality protein foods available and protein food items are one of the hardest foods to get donated so we are grateful to both Pilgrim’s Pride and Feather Crest,” said Robert L. Bush, executive director of the East Texas Food Bank in a prepared statement. “The donation comes at a time when families living on limited resources need help feeding their families.”

“Seeing the increasing need within their communities, the families of our industry came together to make sure America’s food banks are well stocked with nutrient dense eggs for the holiday season,” said Gene Gregory, president of the United Egg Producers is quoted in the news release.

With each egg containing 13 essential nutrients – including the highest quality protein, choline, folate, iron and zinc – for only 75 calories, the more than 12 million eggs donated comes at a time when food banks are struggling with low inventories, while facing a sharp increase in demand for emergency food.

Updated Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at 5:01 p.m. CDT