Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Set to Launch Feed the Hungry Campaign

ATHENS – The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is teaming up with the Henderson County Food Pantry this November to help feed the hungry. In honor of the first Sharelunker, “Ethel” who was caught on November 26, 1986, the “Ethelsgiving Feed the Hungry, Feed the Fish” food drive will begin November 1 and run throughout the month at the Athens facility. “We wanted to do something for the anniversary of the day Ethel was caught,” said Tom Lang, TPWD Inland Fisheries Division Outreach Director. “

“Her catch date was November 26 which falls on Thanksgiving this year, so we decided in the spirit of the season of giving and sharing great bass genetics, we would hold a food drive in Ethel’s name to continue the act of serving our community.”

During the month of November, TFFC visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item, which will directly benefit the Henderson County Food Pantry. For a food donation, TFFC will provide that visitor with a free cup of fish food to feed the fish on display.

“The Ethelsgiving, feed the hungry, feed the fish campaign is also a reminder of how important recreational fishing and hunting can be for families struggling with food insecurity,” Lang said. “This has been an especially challenging year for so many. We’re proud to be able to help Texans by providing inexpensive family friendly recreational opportunities, teaching fishing skills, and helping acquire donations for the food pantry.”

The TFFC is located in Athens and is a state-of-theart Texas Parks and Wildlife facility. It houses a hatchery, laboratory, aquarium, and education center focusing on underwater wildlife in the state’s freshwater streams, ponds and lakes. It serves as home base for the ShareLunker program, which invites anglers to donate thirteen-pound-plus-sized largemouth bass for research and breeding purposes.

During the ongoing public heath situation, the TFFC is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday with safety procedures in place.