Sep. 20—Last year, through the feeding network of partner organizations in Hunt County, the North Texas Food Bank provided 3.9 million pounds of food to those in need, translating to more than 3.2 million nutritious meals.
As part of the NTFB’s partners network, Commerce Food Bank and Bread of Life Community Services in Commerce; Women In Need, Hands of Compassion, Because We Care, Hunt County Shared Ministries, Joseph Ministry Food Pantry, Hope for You and Viable Ministries Pantry in Greenville; Boles Home and Lake Area Shared Ministries in Quinlan; and Wolfe City Food Pantry are joining about 500 food pantries and organizations for Hunger Action Month for September to inspire people to join the fight to end hunger and raise awareness of people experiencing food insecurity across North Texas.
Texas has the highest number of people facing hunger in the nation with nearly 5 million individuals experiencing food insecurity. In NTFB’s 13-county service area, which ranks as the country’s fourth-largest region for food insecurity, nearly 778,000 people struggle with hunger.
Trisha Cunningham, CEO and president of the North Texas Food Bank, said, “In North Texas, where the number of individuals facing hunger surpasses the populations of cities like Seattle and San Francisco, the most alarming statistic is that nearly 40 percent of those affected are children. This reality is simply unacceptable.”
Despite inflation stabilizing and low unemployment rates, the cost of essentials remains alarmingly high, according to the NTFB. Since 2021, grocery prices have surged by 21% and Texans in the lowest income bracket now allocate up to 30% of their income just for food. With rent and transportation costs taking up another 40 & of their budgets, families are often forced to choose between buying groceries and paying for other necessities such as utilities, childcare or medicine.
The demand for food assistance today is even greater than during the pandemic’s peak. In Hunt County alone, more than 16,000 people, including more than 5,500 children, are grappling with hunger. This results in a child food insecurity rate of 23.1% in the county.
“Hunger Action Month serves as a powerful reminder that community involvement — whether through direct action, volunteering or advocacy — is vital in transforming the lives of our neighbors,” Cunningham added. “No matter how small, every effort brings us closer to a healthy, hunger-free North Texas. We invite you to support the fight against hunger by contributing to Hunt County food pantries and other organizations that address this issue.”
For more information on how to help, volunteer or advocate, visit www.ntfb.org or contact one of the local Hunt County feeding partners. To find nearby food assistance, visit www.ntfb.org/findfood.
