News Summary
The North Texas Food Bank is initiating its 12th Annual Peanut Butter Drive to collect 100,000 pounds of peanut butter and $350,000 to combat food insecurity. This initiative, supported by local leaders and community members, aims to engage all 12 counties served by the food bank. The Peanut Butter Drive not only provides nutritious meals but also supports the Food 4 Kids program, ensuring students have access to food outside of school. With over 744,000 people, including 250,000 children, at risk for hunger, the need for community involvement is more critical than ever.
Texas – The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is set to kick off its 12th Annual Peanut Butter Drive this September, coinciding with Hunger Action Month. The drive aims to collect 100,000 pounds of peanut butter and raise $350,000 to aid families grappling with food insecurity throughout the region. This initiative underscores the vital role peanut butter plays as a nutrient-rich staple for children and families in need.
Peanut butter is frequently sought after by food pantries due to its shelf-stability, nutritional benefits, affordability, and broad appeal among both adults and children. This year’s campaign will span all 12 counties served by NTFB, and community support is ramping up as local leaders encourage participation.
Last year’s Peanut Butter Drive successfully collected around 84,000 pounds of peanut butter and nearly $300,000 in donations, contributing significantly to the distribution of over 137 million meals by NTFB. Participation in the drive is simple, as community members can donate jars of peanut butter at various designated drop-off locations or choose to contribute online.
Additionally, Kroger returns as the Grocery Champion Sponsor for the drive for the third consecutive year, further strengthening the campaign’s outreach and support. Throughout September, NTFB has also planned various events to raise awareness and funds for food assistance, including CANstruction Dallas, North Texas Giving Day, and a Volunteer-a-thon.
The Peanut Butter Drive also complements NTFB’s Food 4 Kids backpack program, which ensures that students have access to meals outside of school hours, thereby addressing the needs of vulnerable children during weekends and holidays.
Recent patterns in food insecurity reveal that conditions have reached alarming levels nationally, with Texas reporting the highest number of food-insecure individuals in the country. Currently, nearly 744,000 people in NTFB’s service area—over 250,000 children—are projected to be at risk of hunger.
NTFB has been a pivotal force in combating food insecurity in North Texas since its establishment in 1982. It operates an extensive network of around 500 food pantries, positioning itself as a critical provider in the community. Looking ahead to fiscal year 2025, NTFB and its partners are poised to deliver over 136 million meals annually.
The organization’s impressive operational efficiency is reflected in its use of resources, with up to 95% being directly allocated to hunger relief programs. This commitment extends beyond food distribution, as NTFB also actively advocates for long-term solutions to eradicate hunger and food insecurity in the region.
As the Peanut Butter Drive approaches, it stands as a crucial initiative to bolster support for families and individuals facing food challenges, while also drawing attention to the growing concern of food insecurity in Texas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC DFW
- Wikipedia: Hunger in the United States
- NTXE News
- Google Search: North Texas Food Bank
- Star Local Media
- Google Scholar: North Texas Food Bank
- GlobeNewswire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Insecurity
- Dallas News
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