Effective today, more than 250 members of the Texas National Guard have been mobilized in support of North Texas Food Bank. The food bank serves 13 counties across North Texas, and has experienced a major influx of need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
NTFB’s mobile pantry efforts normally serve 300 households, but have recently surged to serve anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 households, and the Texas National Guard is helping filling in the gaps.
“Support from the National Guard will allow us to have the manpower to make thousands of food boxes each week, making these available to our partners and via our mobile pantry program,” North Texas Food Bank President and CEO Trisha Cunningham said.
The Guard members have been assigned initially for 30 days of service at the food bank, and their time could be extended if the pandemic continues. One hundred forty members of the Guard will work on the production line, creating family meal boxes for distribution. Thirty of the Guard will work in Mobile Pantry Distribution. Thirty Guard members will work in warehouse operations, with 12 being allocated as drivers. Fifty Guard members will work as support for the Food Bank’s partner agencies.
Both City of Plano and the North Texas Food Bank expressed gratitude to Governor Greg Abbott, who allowed the Guard to assist in this mission.
“The Food Bank and their member agencies play a critical role in North Texas,” said Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere. “The support from the National Guard will allow for them to continue to meet their mission. We know that as the weeks go on, the need for support will only continue to grow.”
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