Page 11 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2018- Online Magazine

HONORING J.T. & MARGARET

T ALKINGT ON

Help For the Hungry

BY AMBER TAYAMA
The South Plains Food Bank has been able to drastically increase the number of neighbors fed, due to J. T. and
Margaret Talkington’s philanthropic legacy. In 2012, the J. T. and Margaret Talkington Charitable Foundation,
Inc. provided the funds for the construction of a new warehouse and distribution facility for the South Plains
Food Bank. The food bank officially began operations at the new facility at 5605 MLK Blvd. in February of 2016.

The size of this donation was a surprise, but the Talkington’s commitment
to the food bank was not.
For many years, J. T. and Margaret supported the mission of the SPFB through donating
their time and finances. Margaret came out regularly to the food bank with her Sunday
School class from First United Methodist Church and helped distribute food boxes to those
in need. Margaret also showed her support for the organization by volunteering as a front
desk receptionist once a week for over a year. She is still fondly referred to as our “best-
dressed volunteer” because she would wear her mink stole while answering the phone.

With the help of the Talkington Foundation, the food bank has been able to expand the
number of families served, alleviating hunger and giving hope to those needing food
assistance. The Voucher and Mobile Pantry programs have both grown, and the Kitchen of
Hope has dramatically increased the number
of meals and snacks prepared for children
across all 20 counties. Since moving into our
new building, the food bank has increased
the number of meals served annually by
almost 2 million.

The number of families, seniors, children,
and disabled individuals we can serve has
not only increased with the new distribution
center, but the food bank’s ability to engage
the community has also improved. With
encouragement from the J. T. and Margaret
Talkington Foundation, the South Plains
Food Bank built an extra-large warehouse at
our distribution center to accommodate the community’s needs well into
the future. The warehouse has been a great place to host large volunteer
groups. At the food bank’s old location, volunteers had to work outside
in the ever-changing Lubbock weather to sort food and build food
boxes.

The food bank is working hard to increase the
number of individuals served each year while
improving the volunteer experience. Many volunteer
opportunities are available, and we especially
encourage participants from Veteran’s Court. The
food bank tries to offer volunteers ways to use their
expertise, such as helping with monthly inspections
at our distribution center, mentoring youth on our
farm, or offering support for our Children’s Feeding
Programs.
We know that J.T. and Margaret had compassion
for those in need in our community. This is evident
through the support they have provided to the South
Plains Food Bank and to so many others - support
which has contributed significantly to our ability to
ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

Lubbock Senior Link 11