Fact Sheets

MISSION: 
The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) seeks to eliminate Hunger by distributing food and grocery products through a network of nonprofit organizations while providing education and increasing community awareness on issues of Hunger.

The Community Kitchen is a valuable tool in meeting this mission, providing fully prepared frozen meals to NTFB feeding programs, while educating individuals seeking a career in the food service industry.

NEED:

• In the 13 North Texas counties served by NTFB, 692,028 individuals live below the federal poverty level. 1
• NTFB served an estimated 262,000 separate individuals in 2005, compared to 197,674 in
  2001. 2
• Nationally, millions of school-age children are in after-school programs.  Parents may rely on these programs, in combination with free or reduced school meal programs, to meet most or all of their children’s nutritional needs. 3
• Nutritional interventions, including access to food, can have a positive impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS. 4
  

IMPACT:

• Ten soup kitchens and shelters, 30 food pantries and 22 after-school programs are served Community Kitchen meals.
• 58,000 HIV/critically ill people in Dallas, Smith and Tarrant counties rely on these meals.
• Meals are nutritious one-dish casseroles, conveniently available frozen, in three sizes.  Freezing provides a more efficient distribution system, greater menu choice, and longer shelf life.
• Helps students from El Centro’s Food and Hospitality Institute complete their Service-Learning credits, and gives them an opportunity to combine academic instruction with active community service.
• Women confinees from the Dawson state jail are student-workers in the Community Kitchen.  Managing Chef James Williams expects to graduate 30 students annually.

Serve:

• Share the message – Tell a friend about the need and the NTFB.
• Share your talents – Volunteer at food distribution sites, events or at the warehouse.
• Sponsor a food drive – Host a traditional or virtual on-line food drive at work, or with your faith, school or civic group.
• Invite us to speak – To your civic, professional, school or faith group.

1 Carole Keeton Strayhorn, Texas Comptroller; Winter 2001-02 County Population Forecast. U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey 2004.  Federal Poverty Level for a family of four is $20,000. 

2 Mathematica Policy Research Inc.; Hunger in America 2006.

3 American Dietetic Association; Position of The American Dietetic Association: Nutrition Standards for Child-Care Programs.

4 Association of Nutrition Services Agencies; Impact of Food and Diet in HIV/AIDS.