Fact Sheets

Hunger

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.

NEED:

• In the 13 North Texas counties served by NTFB, 692,028 individuals live below the federal poverty level.1
• 76% of client households served by NTFB feeding programs have an income below the federal poverty level.2
• Texas leads the nation with the highest percentage of families who are “food insecure.” 3
• 81% of the households served by feeding programs are “food insecure.” 4
• The majority of NTFB feeding programs saw an increase in the number of clients served from 2001 to 2005. 5
• NTFB served an estimated 262,000 separate individuals in 2005, compared to 197,674 in 2001. 6 
• 40% of the households served by NTFB feeding programs have at least one employed adult. 7
• Amongst NTFB clients, 51% must choose between food or paying utilities; 46% must  choose between food or paying for housing; 39% must choose between food, medications, or medical care. 8
• For Texans who receive Food Stamps, the average monthly benefit per person is $85.10 9; for households served by NTFB feeding programs, who receive Food Stamps, the benefit is exhausted after an average of 2.5 weeks. 10

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 Food insecurity is defined as a family being uncertain of having, or being unable to acquire, enough food for all household members because they have insufficient money and other resources for food.  U.S. Department of Agriculture; Household Food Security in the United States 2004

4 Mathematica Policy Research Inc.; Hunger in America 2006

5 Ibid.

6 Ibid.

7 Ibid.

8 Ibid.

9 Food Research Action Committee; State of the States: 2005

10 Mathematica Policy Research Inc.; Hunger in America 2006