Nonprofits Directly Aiding COVID-19 Related Issues: North Texas Food Bank

North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) works to close the hunger gap throughout 13 counties in North Texas. As an organization, NTFB provides local food pantries with food and needed support. The food bank does not operate as a pantry for the public, but does offer mobile pantries, and is doing so currently to accommodate the heightened need during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The biggest change we’ve seen has been our mobile pantry distributions. Normally we’re serving about 200-300 households. Since the pandemic started, it’s increased five-fold, at least. Probably more than 1,000 households are coming through,” Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Anna Kurian said.

Here, NTFB distributes food to Salvation Army Plano, Minnie’s Food Pantry and Storehouse of Collin County among several others. Minnie’s Food Pantry receives the largest amount of food from NTFB in Plano. 

“During this time, we’ve been providing our partners with boxes of food packaged and ready to go, or if they’re able to have a volunteer base, we’re providing them with the materials to create their own boxes. That way, they can do a drive-through system that accommodates social distancing measures,” Anna said.

How You Can Help:

Because it is more difficult than usual to source food, NTFB encourages the public to simply donate financially through its website. Food items are also available to purchase and donate through an Amazon wish list. 

The team at NTFB encourages its supporters to continue donating as they can, even when people start going back to work. “After this is over, there will still be a lot of people who need our help as we continue into a recession or even a depression,” Anna said.

If You Need Help:

If you are in need of food, go to NTFB’s website and input your address to find the closest pantry. If you have lost your job, you may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; reach out to NTFB for more information and help walking through that process.

Another way you can lend financial support to the Plano community is through participating in North Texas Giving Day Now on May 5. You’ll be able to donate to the nonprofit of your choice anytime between now and May 5.