NACOGDOCHES, Texas - A new coalition focused on food insecurity launched Saturday in Nacogdoches, as local leaders work to connect residents with food resources and support organizations already serving the community.

Community and coalitionThe Nacogdoches Hope Food Pantry has provided 312,880 meals from January through July, with lines of people regularly wrapping around the building.

Volunteer Rose Powers said the pantry offers more than food to those it serves."The need is very high. A lot of times we have quite a few families that come in," Powers said."Everyone knows each one's name, and, uh, when everyone is going through something, we are there to help. We're just a group family, and it's so much fun and we love each other," Powers said.