On Tuesday, May 6, The United Family donated 5,760 pounds of apples to the High Plains Food Bank as part of the Take a Bite Out of Hunger program.
Part of a larger donation of 50,000 pounds of apples across Texas and New Mexico, the Amarillo donation also marks the 15th year of the program. Thanks to a partnership between The United Family and FirstFruits Farms, more than 650,000 pounds of apples have been donated, helping countless families across both states, the supermarkets company said.
“The United Family feels very blessed to be in the position to make these donations for the 15th year in a row,” said Joseph Bunting, produce business director for The United Family. “We know how important donations of fresh produce can be for food banks and their clients. We are so thankful for this partnership with FirstFruits and the hard work of our team members across Texas and New Mexico.”
FirstFruits Farms of Washington created the Take a Bite Out of Hunger program to help feed the underserved while bringing attention to the problem of food insecurity across the country.
“At FirstFruits Farms, we believe every positive action makes a difference — whether it’s sponsoring local programs or addressing hunger on a national scale,” said Aimee Bach, business development director for FirstFruits Farms. “Our mission to serve and uplift communities aligns perfectly with The United Family. We’re proud to work together now for 15 years with their shoppers and team to bring fresh, healthy fruit to families in need with the Take a Bite out of Hunger campaign.”
Other community news
The Amarillo Fire Department (AFD) is actively seeking motivated individuals to join its ranks and begin a rewarding career in fire service. New hires will earn an annual salary of $60,508 while working just 10 days per month. Candidates who currently hold Fire and EMS certifications will be fast-tracked through the academy training program. The deadline to apply is June 2. For additional information, contact the fire department at 806-378-4238 or scan the QR code on official recruitment materials for application steps and hiring process details.
The Texas Panhandle Student Art Show is on view May 3-16 at the Amarillo Museum of Art, located at 2200 South Van Buren on the Washington Street campus of Amarillo College. Artwork will be judged for 10 Individual Best of Show Awards and a Best of Show Portfolio, with each winner receiving an honorarium from the Amarillo ISD Arts Department. Awards and scholarships will be also presented by the Education Credit Union (sponsor), AC and WT and the Texas Panhandle Art Education Association. A reception on Friday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the museum will honor award winners and participants. For more information, visit www.amoa.org, email amoa@actx.edu, or call 806-371-5050 or 806-371-5392 (weekends).
This week’s Furry Friend is Snoopy, a 2-year-old male Labrador Retriever mix. “Snoopy’s coat coloring is black with white on chest and paws. He is a young, friendly, sweet boy with loads of energy. He listens when you talk to him and he enjoys the company of people, as well as other dogs. He is neutered, microchipped, current on shots and ready to go home with someone.” APSCA adoptions can be made at the shelter, 11901 S. Coulter, noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call 806-622-0555, or visit www.amarillospcashelter.com or www.adoptapet.com.
The West Texas A&M University Alumni Association and its Canyon-Amarillo Alumni Chapter will host the third annual WT Alumni at Hodgetown event May 30 at the ballpark, 715 S. Buchanan St. in Amarillo. The Amarillo Sod Poodles will face off against the Frisco Rough Riders at 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Alumni will gather at the left field picnic patio. Discounted tickets can be purchased online at mercury.wtamu.edu/alumni-events/. Dinner and non-alcoholic drinks are included.
Ascension Academy has installed two new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across campus, funded by eight community partners: Amarillo Heart Institute, Amarillo Medical Specialists, BSA Health System, Cardiology Center of Amarillo, Hummers Sports Cafe, Northwest Texas Healthcare System, Texas Rhythm Management Group LLC, and an anonymous donor. The AEDs will help ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors and are required by Texas state law. In addition, the academy will host an inaugural golf tournament fundraiser on Friday, May 16 at Comanche Trail Golf Course. Check-in begins at noon with a 1 p.m. tee time, followed by a fajita dinner provided to all golfers. Individuals or teams can register using this link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2gtournamen/event/golf25/
Technical Solutions, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), is proud to announce it is following the ISO 27001 Compliance Program, a globally recognized standard for information security management. ISO 27001 is the international gold standard for how organizations should manage information security. “Unfortunately, we’re in an industry where anyone can become a Managed IT Services Provider,” said Gene Wells, President at Technical Solutions. “Earning ISO 27001 compliance proves we don’t just talk about cybersecurity — we execute at the highest level.” For more information on Technical Solutions, call (806) 352-1309 or visit www.askts.com.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: The United Family donates thousands of apples to HPFB as part of Take a Bite Out of Hunger
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect



