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November 10, 2009

NORTH TEXAS FOOD BANK READIES FOR TOUGH HOLIDAY SEASON:

“Hungry Today” Campaign and 20-Million-Meal Fundraising Goal Announced to Meet Urgent Need

NTFB Food Distribution Increases Nearly 50% from Last Year,
Agencies See New Stories of Hunger with Continued Rise in First-Time Clients

DALLAS — November 10, 2009 – For many families, hunger is only a missed paycheck away. With rising unemployment, cut wages and lengthy waits for food stamp access, local agencies are struggling to keep up with the increasing need for food assistance, especially among first-time clients. The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is gearing-up to help this holiday season, with an engaging public awareness and fundraising campaign telling the real stories of children, parents, singles, and seniors who are "Hungry Today."

The Need: In Numbers
The NTFB, which supplies food to 1,146 food pantries, local shelters and other feeding programs in 13 surrounding counties, has seen a startling 46 percent increase in the amount of food and grocery product distributed in recent months, compared to the same time last year. The spike comes as the U.S. Labor Department recently announced the national jobless rate at 10.2 percent -- hitting double digits for the first time since 1983 -- putting additional strain on an already taxed network. To meet the increased need, the NTFB is working to raise $5 million in November and December that will support the distribution of 20 million meals in the coming months.

The support is needed now more than ever with families still struggling to make ends meet in tough financial times, according to the NTFB. During the last several months, its Member Agencies are reporting an average 36 percent rise in people seeking food assistance for the first time -- often representing families who never thought they would be in a position of need. "Clients are generally coming in more frequently, and some agencies are forced to turn people away, unable to keep food shelves adequately stocked," said Jan Pruitt, NTFB president and CEO.

"This is going to be a tough holiday season for many North Texas families, with most of our Member Agencies expecting further increases in demand for emergency food assistance over the next two months," said Pruitt. "We are calling on the community to help us raise $5 million for people here locally who are missing meals and going hungry today. Even a small contribution makes a difference in our 20-million-meal goal; just $1 provides 4 meals."

Laid-off This Year. Hungry Today.
Plano resident and former healthcare administrator Ray is among the thousands of local folks recently reaching out for assistance for the first time in their lives. "When I was laid-off from a well-paid position and my financial obligations began piling up, my wife and I ultimately had to choose between eating and paying the bills," explained Ray. —It was then that I shook off my pride and sought assistance from Minnie’s West Plano Food Pantry." Ray and his wife now volunteer at the Food Pantry while he seeks employment, providing inspiration and support to many others in similar situations.

Another Collin County agency, Frisco Family Services Center, has seen a 56 percent increase in first-time clients in recent months. Client Natalie is one of many struggling to make ends meet, especially during the holidays. The divorced mom and former accounting analyst is a victim of corporate downsizings and missed child support. "The Center is helping me get through, assisting with rent, food and even my job search. I don’t know where we’d be without these services that allow me to keep food on the table for my son," said Natalie.

The stories inspired by the new faces of hunger are told in NTFB’s new holiday fundraising and awareness campaign, to be featured in radio spots, online and on billboards in high-traffic locations such as along the Dallas North Tollway, Central Expressway and LBJ Freeway:

Preschool at 4. Fatherless at 5. Hungry Today.

Hours Cut in March. Benefits Cut in June. Hungry Today.

Dad Laid Off at 6. Mom Sick at 7. Hungry Today.

Promoted at 45. Downsized at 55. Hungry Today.

Holiday Giving Goes Virtual
This holiday season, NTFB looks to further connect with the community in the fight against hunger by using Facebook, Twitter and other social networking tools as part of its online campaign. Supporters can also visit the organization’s Web site - - ntfb.org - - to make a donation, sign up for a virtual food drive, and view campaign elements such as videos of people sharing their personal stories. Special graphics will also update progress in reaching the $5 million holiday fundraising goal. Social media fans will be among the first to receive campaign updates and scoop on a variety of fun holiday events, promos and contests supporting the NTFB.

In North Texas there is a 29 million meal gap between what people need – three meals per day – and what they can currently access. The "Hungry Today" campaign is part of NTFB’s new three-year Close the Gap initiative to unite the community in helping to narrow the food gap, providing access to 50 million meals annually.

The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a nonprofit hunger relief organization that distributes donated, purchased and prepared foods through a network of 1,146 feeding programs in 13 North Texas counties. The NTFB supports the nutritional needs of children, families and seniors through education, advocacy and strategic partnerships. Founded in 1982, the NTFB is a member of Feeding America (feedingamerica.org). Last year, the NTFB provided access to 37 million meals through its efforts. Each month agency pantries distribute food to more than 53,000 families and on-site meal programs serve 435,000 meals/snacks. Every dollar donated to the NTFB provides four meals for the hungry.

Media Contacts:
Tresa Hardt or Colleen Petersen
Lovell Public Relations
214-395-1918 (cell) or
972-788-4511(ofc)

Michael Patterson
North Texas Food Bank
214-347-9593
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