Latest news with #NTFB
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Food bank launches 5-year plan to combat food insecurity in North Texas
The Brief The North Texas Food Bank has launched a five-year "Fulfilling Futures" initiative. The plan aims to move beyond food distribution to address the root causes of hunger through programs like Food RX and support services. Nearly 774,000 people in North Texas, including one in five children, are food insecure, a situation worsened by rising rent and grocery costs. DALLAS - The North Texas Food Bank has unveiled a plan to combat hunger at its roots and build self-sufficient communities in North Texas. What we know On Friday, the NTFB launched a new, five-year initiative called Fulfilling Futures, designed to go beyond feeding to fueling long-term wellbeing across the region. "This includes optimizing our supply chain, really leaning into some warehouse management systems we have, really track that food and get it out efficiently to our community," said Trisha Cunningham, the nonprofit's president and CEO. The plan also includes growing NTFB's Food RX program, partnering with at least 50 medical clinics in the next five years, and increasing investments in those partners who are offering wrap-around services such as career training, financial coaching, and health care. What you can do "We cannot do this work alone, especially as we look towards the future," Cunningham said. "So we want the community to continue to join us to donate, volunteer, and advocate for those strong anti-hunger policies." By the numbers Over the past five years, the NTFB has doubled its meal distribution. "People are really surprised by that because all of the economic growth in our community. But we still have the eighth highest number of people who are food insecure," Cunningham said. Approximately 774,000 people in North Texas, including one in five children, experience food insecurity. "We know that inflation has led food insecurity at the zip code level and it's very difficult for some of these people who are food insecure to make these tough choices," she said. Cunningham pointed to a Zillow study that found rent in Dallas has gone up by 30% over the past five years. Groceries also went up by 22% during that time, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Do I pay for my rent, my groceries, my medicine? Because they have these fixed costs that they have to meet. But then what gives? So, that's why we're seeing more people coming to us for access to that," she said. The Source The North Texas Food Bank held a news conference on Friday to announce details in this story.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North Texas Food Bank Launches Plan to Combat Hunger at its Roots and Build Self-Sufficient Communities
Fulfilling Futures strategic plan aims to close the hunger gap across all North Texas Communities North Texas Food Bank Fulfilling Futures Dallas, TX, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) today announced the launch of its bold new strategic plan, Fulfilling Futures, a visionary five-year initiative designed to go beyond feeding to fueling long-term well-being across the region. The plan builds on the momentum of the recently concluded Nourish North Texas campaign and strategic plan, which exceeded its ambitious $500 million goal, demonstrating the region's deep commitment to fighting hunger. 'Our mission is rooted in the same belief that has guided us for more than 40 years: No one deserves to be hungry,' said Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO of NTFB. 'Fulfilling Futures is the next evolution of that vision, building on the success of the past by harnessing our scale to more dynamically serve our neighbors and partners for the long term.' Fulfilling Futures aims to close critical meal gaps, equip partner organizations, expand a holistic approach to fight hunger, and ensure sustainable food access for all. The new strategic plan is a direct response to the urgent need in North Texas, where over 774,000 people, including one in five children, experience food insecurity. Rising inflation, housing costs, and stagnating wages have widened this gap, making NTFB's mission more crucial. Although NTFB essentially filled the meal gap across its service area over the last two years, its data analysis reveals uneven food distribution and disparities in access to holistic support services when zooming in closer at the ZIP code-level. In partnership with the Boston Consulting Group and after nearly a year of community and partner agency input, Fulfilling Futures introduces a transformative approach to harness the scale of NTFB to more dynamically serve neighbors and partners, for the long-term, with the goal of meeting at least 80% of the need in every ZIP code by the close of the next five years. 'This goal is important to meet the needs of our neighbors and accelerate their paths to self-sufficiency. We also believe that by better equipping partners and providing more holistic support through this plan, along with the efforts of those not in our partner network, we can close the hunger gap. We know access to nutritious food is the foundation to help someone get beyond the issue of food insecurity,' says plan is anchored in five strategic priorities: Increase Agility & Efficiency in Providing Food Access: The organization plans to use data-driven strategies, enhance operational efficiency, increase the amount of non-government food that is donated and support neighbors in applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Optimize the NTFB Partner Network:Deepened investments in NTFB's partner network of nearly 500 food pantries and community organizations will strengthen capacity, improve data-sharing, and support programs that connect food access with services like job training and healthcare. Expand Holistic Approach to Fighting Hunger:NTFB will continue to invest in holistic support that is designed to address the root causes of hunger. This plan calls for growing NTFB's FoodRx program, partnering with at least 50 medical clinics in the next five years and increasing our investments in those partners who are offering wrap-around services such as career training, financial coaching and health care. NTFB aspires to help its partner network grow or launch 20 additional services through these investments. Improve and Leverage Data to Meet the Need:Enhanced data systems that include input from partner agencies and neighbors will address disparities in food distribution and help tailor resources to meet the unique needs of every community. NTFB will also prioritize public reporting on food insecurity trends to improve the community's understanding, access, and utilization. Ensure Financial Sustainability:NTFB plans to grow its endowment and boost planned giving via its Full Plate Society. NTFB will continue to build its endowment to strengthen its financial position, ensuring that support is always available for families, no matter the market conditions. During the last five years, the North Texas Food Bank doubled its meal distribution, reaching a record 118 million physical meals last fiscal year, of which 90% were nutritious. Additionally, the Food Bank assisted in helping neighbors access over 19 million meals through SNAP application assistance. Building on this progress, Fulfilling Futures introduces a targeted, data-informed and community centered approach to ensure every neighbor, not just some, receives the nourishment and support they need. 'Hunger impacts everything—a child's ability to learn, a parent's ability to provide, a family's ability to thrive,' said Ginny Kissling, NTFB board chair and president of Americas and chief operating officer at Ryan. 'That's why this plan matters. Feeding families today opens doors for a stronger tomorrow.' 'We know that simply providing food isn't enough—our neighbors face systems that too often stand in the way of lasting progress,' said Cunningham. 'That's why Fulfilling Futures is more than a plan; it's a community-powered movement to tackle those systemic barriers head-on. The North Texas Food Bank calls on donors, volunteers, policymakers, and partners to join us in this bold mission. When North Texas comes together, we don't just fight hunger—we transform lives and fulfill futures.' To support this effort or explore partnership opportunities, visit # # # # About the North Texas Food Bank The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a leading nonprofit organization that fights hunger and provides children, seniors and families in North Texas access to nutritious food. For over 40 years, we have been at the forefront of hunger relief, committed to ensuring that no one in our community lacks access to healthy food. Our extensive network of 500 food pantries and organizations, volunteers, and donors enables us to deliver more than 100 million nutritious meals annually to those in need. Beyond just addressing hunger, we focus on nourishing lives by offering nutrition education, investing in our network partners, innovating solutions to eliminate hunger and advocating for policies that tackle the root causes of food insecurity. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, highlighting our strong governance, integrity, and financial stability. As a proud member of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger relief network, we are committed to ensuring everyone in North Texas has the nourishment needed to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. For more information, visit or connect with us on social media @NorthTexasFoodBank. Attachment North Texas Food Bank Fulfilling Futures CONTACT: Jeff Smith North Texas Food Bank 469-891-7022 in to access your portfolio
CBS News
23-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
North Texas Food Bank shares concerns for small farmers, food-insecure communities after USDA budget cuts
President Trump's efforts to reduce federal spending by slashing agency budgets are raising concerns among those who advocate for food-insecure people across North Texas. Texas already leads the nation in the number of people facing hunger, and the DFW area has the third-highest number of people facing food insecurity in the state. Specifically, proponents worry that the U.S. Department of Agriculture budget cuts for the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program will be felt at food banks, and also among the farmers that help to supply them. Currently, about 35% of the food North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) distributes consists of fresh produce, funded in part by USDA funds. "Not only did it help feed the network that we have here in North Texas, [but] it was also a great economic stimulus program for farmers who produce crops that feed our neighbors," said Anne Readhimer, Chief Impact Officer, NTFB. Historically, the USDA has awarded funds to the state for food assistance purchases of domestic local foods for distribution to schools and childcare institutions; locally, North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) was awarded $9.2 million through the LFPA (Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program)/ Readhimer said NTFB used those funds to purchase produce and meat from Texas farms, but the recent cuts will likely have widespread economic consequences, particularly for small farmers, food-insecure communities and children. "The funding [that] was coming from the government was eliminated with some other streams [and] we're still waiting to get a better understanding [but] how we're going to make up, is really just pivoting," she added in a recent interview with CBS News Texas. In a statement to CBS News Texas Saturday about the funding cuts, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said he believes the state will continue to offer sustainable food solutions. "I recognize that the USDA's budget cuts are intended to eliminate fraud, abuse, and waste. However, even well-functioning programs that deliver real results are undergoing reviews to ensure fairness. These changes also provide an opportunity for states to assume greater responsibility in shaping their own programs," Miller said. "Texas and the Texas Department of Agriculture do not depend on this funding to maintain a strong program. We've been at the forefront for years, developing sustainable initiatives. Texas will continue to effectively operate successful Farm to School and Farm to Food Bank programs." However, that resulting pivot could have a startling impact on the more than 250,000 children facing hunger in North Texas, during a time of inflation and already rising food prices. Without the funding, NTFB fears some schools will struggle to maintain their current nutritious meal programs, with a larger concern over a squeeze for the children who might not otherwise be getting their needs met at school. "Inflation, though it has leveled out quite a bit, that's been a huge impact on working families in north Texas and things have been tight, so everyone is just needing a little bit more help these days," added Readhimer. In the meantime, NTFB said it relies heavily on support from the community, in the form of money donations, time and advocacy for stronger policies at the federal level, like the Farm Bill, to help provide a more stable food supply to food banks across the country, and the people they serve. "[Food insecurity] is just really not knowing where your next meal is going to come from and many families are just one small expense away," said Readhimer.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
USDA cuts program allowing North Texas Food Bank to buy from local farmers
The Brief The North Texas Food Bank will lose $9 million in yearly funding as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's budget cuts. The Local Food Purchase Agreement Program allowed the North Texas Food Bank to buy produce and meat from local Texas farmers instead of larger companies. The NTFB presidents said they are bracing themselves for the cuts but said it doesn't mean shelves will go bare. The federal cut creates a trickle effect, impacting people who need food assistance and also the small farmers who provided the food. Kalah Sprabearym, with Farmyard Foods in Lubbock, provided meat to the food bank. She says the cuts will impact producers, employment, transportation and small processors. DALLAS - The U.S. Department of Agriculture cut two programs that provide millions of dollars to schools and food banks. The program allowed the North Texas Food Bank to buy produce and meat from local Texas farmers instead of larger companies. Now, that will all come to an end. What we know The Local Food Purchase Agreement Program allowed food banks to buy from small local farmers. The funds allowed the purchase of food produced within 400 miles to "help support local, regional and underserved producers" to provide health food for underserved communities, according to the USDA's website. The NTFB received $9 million from the program this year to buy locally. Last year, the NTFB provided 106 million meals to North Texans. Another federal program that was cut impacts states and school districts. The Local Food for Schools Program was similar to the food bank program, providing non-processed foods to schools. Big picture view States were informed on Wednesday that the USDA had cut more than $1 billion in funding for schools and food banks. "Unlike the Biden Administration, which funneled billions in CCC funds into short-term programs with no plan for longevity, USDA is prioritizing stable, proven solutions that deliver lasting impact. The COVID era is over—USDA's approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward," a USDA spokesperson told FOX Television Stations. The move is part of cuts to multiple federal programs to minimize government waste led by President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). What they're saying Trisha Cunningham is the president of the NTFB. She's bracing for the impact of a federal program cut by the USDA. "Having this additional program, that was really a win-win for farmers and for the food bank and for our neighbors and the community, was vital to helping us to meet those increased needs," she said. Cunningham says this year's funding from the program runs out in May. "We still had several million dollars that we needed to spend before May. That got frozen in January," she said. "And so we went for a couple of months now, not knowing if it was going to continue, if we were even going to be able to be reimbursed." The other side The federal cut creates a trickle effect, impacting people who need food assistance and also the small farmers who provided the food. Kalah Sprabeary is with Farmyard Foods in Lubbock. They provided meat to the food bank. "I feel like the it's something that the USDA really needs to take a deep look at and look at how this is going to have a larger impact, not just on the food banks, the schools, but it's going to definitely have an impact on the producers, on employment, on transportation, on small processors," she said. What's next The interruption in funding does not mean the shelves will go bare at the NTFB, but it will force already busy food bank officials to strategize. "We've already placed orders in advance. So knowing that we're not going to get another round of this, we won't be able to place those orders," said Cunningham. "So we're expecting to see that farming and producer community to probably see it pretty quickly because they're not going to have those orders coming in." The Source Information in this article comes from the North Texas Food Bank, the USDA's website and national news coverage.
