DALLAS – June 1, 2023 – Dr. Latame Phillips, CEO of Hunger Busters in West Dallas, could not believe his eyes. On a recent Monday morning, Dr. Phillips discovered that the nonprofit organization he founded had been victimized by thieves who stole the entire HVAC system and the copper pipes that were connected to it. Not only was this equipment robbed from a vital community institution that serves meals to 3,500 kids at 11 different elementary schools, but food worth $10,000 was completely spoiled without proper refrigeration inside the building. Thankfully, in the days since this crime occurred, the local community has stepped up with approximately $16,000 in donations to help Hunger Busters get back on its feet. Today, Atmos Energy announced an additional $31,000 donation to fill the remaining gaps and enable Hunger Busters to fully restart operations more quickly.

“We are so thankful for the financial support from Atmos Energy and our whole community, without whom we would not be able to resume serving the children who depend on us daily,” said Phillips. “We’re especially concerned about feeding kids during the summer break, which has already begun. Hunger Busters provides breakfast and lunch to children enrolled in summer programs at the City Recreation Centers and Dallas City of Learning, among others. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we will begin meeting the needs of these kids even sooner than we hoped.”

In partnership with hundreds of organizations, Atmos Energy’s Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities outreach benefits school districts, nonprofits, after school programs, and food banks through everything from backpacks and laptops to nutritious breakfasts to books that help early childhood learners read on level by third grade. Vulnerable households also have access to funds through local energy assistance agencies that provide support with utility bills, weatherization, customer natural gas line repairs, and natural gas appliance repairs and replacements.

“Hunger Busters is a community treasure that gives children the fuel they need to maximize their scholastic potential, and we are intensely focused on fueling bright minds and healthy futures for our kids,” said Nira McNealy, Atmos Energy manager of public affairs. “It is unthinkable that anyone would do this to such a selfless organization that contributes so much. Our AtmoSpirit culture drives us to Make a Difference in the communities we serve, and we are honored to do our part in helping Hunger Busters get back to providing kids the healthy and delicious meals they need this week and throughout the summer.”

If you would like to consider a donation to Hunger Busters, please visit hungerbustersdonations.org to ensure our kids stay nourished this week and throughout the summer.