Fighting Hunger in Texarkana: He...

Partnering with local food banks to fight hunger close to home.

As fall settles in and the holidays approach, too many families in Texarkana struggle with food insecurity. At HealthCARE Express, we believe health is more than medical care; it’s also about community, kindness, and making sure no neighbor goes hungry. That’s why we’re proud to host a month-long canned food drive throughout October at our Texarkana area locations. You can drop off nonperishable canned goods at any of our clinics, whether you’re at Richmond Road, Arkansas Blvd, or Wake Village.

Local Food Banks & Pantry Partners in Texarkana

To ensure your donations make the greatest impact, we collaborated with one of the area’s trusted hunger relief organizations that helps distribute food to families in need:

  • Harvest Regional Food Bank (Texarkana, AR) — A core distributor in the region, serving both northeast Texas and southwest Arkansas.

This organization is part of a broader network of agencies, churches, and nonprofits that rely on donations to keep their shelves stocked and programs running.

Why Canned Food Drives Matter — Year-Round & Especially in October

1. Reliability & Shelf Stability

Canned goods are shelf-stable, nutrient-dense, and long-lasting. They allow food banks and pantries to stock their shelves without worrying about spoilage or immediate use. During October, as community giving tends to rise, it’s a great time to encourage donations before the holiday rush.

2. Meeting Seasonal Demand

As the weather cools and back-to-school expenses settle, more families may face tighter budgets. Food pantries often see increased demand in the fall and winter months. Donations collected in October help them build reserves ahead of higher need.

3. Filling Gaps in Supplemental Aid

Many federal food programs slow down or have reduced distributions at certain times of the year. Local programs help bridge those gaps. Your canned goods help families stretch resources through the “off-times.”

4. Nutritional Value & Food Security

Beyond quantity, quality matters. Items like canned vegetables, beans, tuna or chicken, and fruit in juice provide vital nutrients. When people have consistent access to nonperishable staples, they can build balanced meals, even when fresh produce or ingredients are scarce.

5. Community & Awareness

Food drives foster empathy. They remind us that hunger exists right here in our neighborhoods. They also build relationships between clinics, donors, and community organizations.

Dr. Spencer Reynolds, co-founder of HealthCARE Express, shared:

“At HealthCARE Express, we believe caring for our community goes beyond the exam room. Hunger affects health just as much as illness, and by working together, we can make sure families in Texarkana don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for other necessities. Every can makes a difference.”

 

How to Participate — Drop-Off Details & What to Donate

Dates: All month long, throughout October
Drop-off Locations:

  • HealthCARE Express – Richmond Road, Texarkana - 3515 Richmond Rd, Texarkana, TX 75503
  • HealthCARE Express – Arkansas Blvd, Texarkana -125 Arkansas Blvd, Texarkana, AR 71854
  • HealthCARE Express – Wake Village clinic - 4701 W 7th St Wake Village, TX 75501

Bring your canned goods during our regular clinic hours, and our team will coordinate the handoff to local food banks.

What to Donate (suggested items):

  • Canned vegetables (low-sodium preferred)
     
  • Canned beans (black beans, kidney beans, pinto)
     
  • Canned protein (tuna, chicken, salmon)
     
  • Canned soups and stews (with hearty ingredients)
     
  • Canned fruit (in juice, not heavy syrup)
     
  • Canned tomato products and pasta.

What to Avoid:

  • Glass containers (risk of breakage)
     
  • Expired items
     
  • Perishables (without refrigeration support)
     

Join Us in Giving & Caring

Every donation is a small act of kindness that adds up. In Texarkana, together we can help ensure no family goes to bed hungry. Visit one of our HCE clinic locations this October and drop off a few cans next time you come in for care, or stop by just to donate.

Look out for updates on social media, where we’ll share progress, stories, and community impact. Let’s rally Texarkana to show what happens when health care and community care go hand in hand.