Plano’s North Texas Food Bank honored several supporters and volunteers at its 18th annual Golden Fork Awards earlier this week.
“The fight against hunger takes all of us, and today’s honorees show what’s possible when compassion meets action,” said Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank. “Their leadership and generosity bring hope to our neighbors and move us closer to a future where everyone in North Texas has the nutritious food they need.”
Let’s take a look at this year’s honorees:
Retail Partner of the Year – Walmart
Walmart is NTFB’s largest retail donor, according to a press release. The corporation provided nearly 19.5 million pounds of food this fiscal year through donations from its stores and distribution centers.
Hunger Ambassadors of the Year – Stephanie Harris, Dallas College; Gayline Montez, Lenore-Kirk Hall Elementary; and Sonia Agrinsoni-Rodriguez
Harris expanded the Dallas College pantries to all 14 campuses, improving retention rates at Dallas College
Agrinsoni-Rodriguez supports families through volunteer work with Wilkinson Center and Dallas College’s Pleasant Grove Center. She also previously led the George Peabody Elementary School pantry.
Montez has led a food pantry at Lenore Kirk-Hall Elementary for eight years, serving around 400 people per month.
Tom Black Volunteer of the Year – Linda Lorch
According to a news release, Lorch has logged more than 1,100 volunteer hours across 260 shifts.
In-Kind Donor of the Year – Boston Consulting Group
The firm has provided $1.5 million in pro bono consulting since 2023, facilitating listening sessions, conducting feasibility studies and advising on logistics for NTFB’s 12-county service area.
Foundation of the Year – The Dallas Foundation
The foundation has contributed over $3 million in the more than 24 years it has partnered with NTFB.
Corporation of the Year – PlainsCapital Bank
Over the last 15 years, from their original $700 employee donation to multi-year investments, event partnerships and volunteer leadership.
Special Recognition – Robert Brandt with Trammel Crow and Geri Hieronymus with Turnkey Project Services
Both were honored for partnerships with NTFB in real estate, construction and design.
Jan Pruitt Award – Tracy Eubanks with Metrocrest Services
In the more than a decade since his leadership began, Eubanks has led Metrocrest in expanding to provide food, housing support, financial coaching, job training and distributing 3.7 million meals to over 22,000 neighbors.
