DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – The North Texas Food Bank’s coffers get filled with donations for the year during the holiday season but the reality is the need for help in the organization’s quest to feed the hungry lasts all year long.
The organization’s Anna Kurian said the neediest time for North Texans who are food insecure isn’t during the holidays.
“The hungriest season is during the summertime when kids are out of school and don’t have access to those school meals,” she said.
It typically increases. In fact, a shocking number of North Texans are hungry.
“It’s pretty shocking to think more than 800 thousand of our neighbors who are facing this issue. One in four kids are food insecure here in North Texas,” said Kurian.
Many people who come to the pantry do not fit the stereotype of what most people consider to be a person in need. For many, the chances of needing some outside help to make ends meet are likely.
“There are so many folks that are one crisis away whether its suddenly losing a job or taking in a relative that’s ailing. Suddenly a budget that’s already thin is stretched even thinner,” said Kurian.
The North Texas Food Bank is always giving thanks to North Texans, which it considers a giving community. Kurian said people from all walks of life ask about how they can coordinate a food drive and what items are most needed.
“Low-sodium canned goods, canned protein, whether it be chicken, fish tuna or peanut butter, dried rice and dried beans. Those meal starters that can help people stretch their budget. Those would be greatly appreciated,” she said.
The organization also relies on cash donations.
“Every time you donate a dollar to the North Texas Food Bank you help provide access to three nutritious meals. In my opinion, there’s no better way to spend a dollar than by helping those in need,” said Kurian.
For those who can’t host a food drive or donate, the organization said that raising awareness through social media or word of mouth is an important tool in fighting hunger as well.
To get more information about how you can help, click here.
Copyright 2018. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved.
