Summer Food Distribution for North Texas Families

As summer heats up and school cafeterias close, many North Texas families find themselves wondering how to keep the fridge full. On Friday morning, help is rolling in at the University of North Texas at Dallas, where cars can line up for a drive-through food distribution aimed at ensuring no child goes hungry while school is out.

From 8 to 11 a.m., the university will host a drive-through event, where volunteers will pack boxes with approximately 60 pounds of fresh produce and pantry staples for every family that arrives. There’s no paperwork and no questions: Just pop the trunk and let the volunteers handle the rest.

Understanding the Need for Food Assistance

“For families who count on free or reduced-price school meals, summer can mean finding a way to provide up to 10 additional meals per week for each child,” said Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank. “That’s a heavy burden for many households already struggling with rising costs.”

The event is a joint effort between the North Texas Food Bank and UNT Dallas, which have teamed up to address the summertime meal gap for children missing out on school breakfasts and lunches. The need for food assistance remains high in North Texas. According to a recent Feeding America study, Texas has the highest number of food-insecure people in the country, with nearly 744,000 people — including more than 250,000 children — within North Texas Food Bank’s service area who do not always know where their next meal will come from.

Food Insecurity in North Texas

Over 60% of those in need live in Dallas County, according to the report. This highlights the significant challenge faced by families in the region, especially during the summer months when school meals are not available.

“Summer break should be an opportunity to play, grow and bond,” said Warren von Eschenbach, president of UNT Dallas. “Through this partnership with NTFB, we are helping ensure families, students and children of all ages can enjoy their summer while staying nourished and healthy.”

On-Going Support and Events

This isn’t a one-time event. Since 2020, UNT Dallas and NTFB have hosted monthly food giveaways, serving more than 1,500 families so far this year, according to a news release by UNT Dallas. The university also operates the Trailblazers Care Pantry to provide additional support to students who require it.

Anyone whose pantry is running low is encouraged to show up in their car on Friday and let volunteers load them up. No ID or preregistration is needed. Food will be distributed while supplies last.

Getting Help and Additional Resources

For more ways to get help, visit the North Texas Food Bank website to find a nearby pantry at ntfb.org. Additional support is available for seniors and those interested in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

How to Attend the Event

The free mobile event is open to anyone, while supplies last, at the UNT Dallas campus in southern Dallas at 7300 University Hills Blvd.

Conclusion

The partnership between the North Texas Food Bank and UNT Dallas is a crucial step in addressing food insecurity in the region. By providing easy access to food and other resources, these organizations are helping to ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer months. The event on Friday is just one part of the ongoing effort to support families in need, and the community is encouraged to participate and seek help if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What time is the food distribution event?

A: The event will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. on Friday.

Q: Do I need to register or bring any paperwork?

A: No, there is no paperwork or preregistration required. Just arrive at the event and let the volunteers assist you.

Q: How much food will I receive?

A: Each family will receive approximately 60 pounds of fresh produce and pantry staples.

Q: Is the event open to anyone?

A: Yes, the event is open to anyone in need, while supplies last.

Q: Where can I find more information about food assistance programs?

A: You can visit the North Texas Food Bank website at ntfb.org for more information about food assistance programs and to find a nearby pantry.