Planting Seeds for the Needy

The Smith County Sheriff’s Office, the East Texas Food Bank, and the Smith County Agricultural Extension Office are teaming up once again to help feed the hungry in East Texas.

Friday marked the beginning of the first planting of 2013. County jail trustees provided the manpower as the first crop of potatoes were planted on four acres of land in Southern Smith County.

Dennis Cullinane, Executive director, of the East Texas Food Bank said the garden will provide more than 111,000 pounds of fresh high quality produce for the food bank. Cullinane added the project allows the Food Bank to increase the nutritional value of food for the people in need.

Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, who grew up in a farming family, said he can appreciate a plentiful garden and is proud the sheriff’s office can continue the partnership with the East Texas Food Bank.

This year marks the fourth year of partnership between the three agencies.