Founded in 1982, the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a nonprofit hunger relief organization that distributes donated and purchased foods through a network of Partner Agencies spanning 13 counties. NTFB distributed more than 400,000 pounds of food in its first year to neighbors experiencing hunger through food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, senior centers, and other organizations. In its last fiscal year, the NTFB distributed 125.6 million meals – more than ever in its history – through its Feeding Network of more than 200 Partner Agencies.   

According to Feeding America, 42 million people across the nation – including more than 800,000 North Texans – may face hunger due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic. This figure represents a 55 percent increase nationally in the number of people seeking help from food banks as compared to previous years. 

“The pandemic has been especially difficult for our vulnerable neighbors who face higher medical risks from COVID-19, have lost their source of income, or face other challenges that hinder access to nutritious food,” said Jan Rugg, Atmos Energy manager of public affairs.  “The NTFB took swift action to serve vulnerable seniors, children, and families through their Mobile Pantry.  Last year, the Mobile Pantry Program distributed more than 13 million meals to neighbors in hard-to-reach areas, including rural and urban locations, through 97 unique distribution sites across its 13-county service area.” 

Focused on Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities, since 2006 Atmos Energy has contributed $376,600 to the NTFB providing 1.1 million nutritious meals to reduce food insecurity in North Texas. Atmos Energy is designated an NTFB “Yes And Partner,” meaning the company contributes directly to NTFB and provides additional support to NTFB Partner Agencies located in communities where food-insecure neighbors work and live.

Committed to meeting the growing need of food insecure households, the NTFB developed the Nourish North Texas campaign with a goal of raising $500 million in food and funds by the end of fiscal year 2023. Nourish North Texas will allow the NTFB to execute its strategic plan by funding critical operations, building new partnerships, and investing in the growth of its Feeding Network.   

The NTFB service area has the fifth-highest number of food insecure individuals out of the Feeding America service areas.  To complement the Mobile Pantry efforts and address the heightened levels of hunger in North Texas, the NTFB offers a variety of unique programs including: 

• Disaster Relief – Responding to the needs of the community following a major disaster. 

• Senior Programs – Ensuring that seniors have access to meals that meet their health needs. 

• Food Pantry location services through its Feeding Network. 

• Social Services Assistance – NTFB staff provides valuable information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other Texas Health & Human Services benefits that may be available to assist with supplementing personal food budgets. 

• Child Programs – Partnerships with schools and social service programs in NTFB’s service area to distribute and serve nutritious foods to kids in need year-round. 

• Nutrition Services – This team works to ensure that NTFB's feeding programs take the nutritional needs of hungry neighbors into account.  In addition to providing access to nutritious foods, NTFB also works to teach families, seniors, and children about healthy eating on a budget through both in-person and virtual programming.  

• Garden Programs include a small-scale learning garden in honor of NTFB’s late President and CEO, Jan Pruitt, and partnerships with community gardens to grow and connect fresh produce to those in need.

“During the 2020-2021 school year, NTFB Child Programs served 1.5 million meals through the School Pantry Program and more than 1.2 million meals through the Food 4 Kids backpack program,” added Rugg. “Beyond food assistance, many partner agencies also provide wrap-around services for vulnerable families offering programs that work to eliminate the underlying barriers to food security.” 

To help close the hunger gap in North Texas, please visit ntfb.org.