Slowing down isn’t an option for Trisha Cunningham. After 30 years at Texas Instruments (TI), Trisha became president and chief executive officer of the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) last year and is leading the growth of this 36-year-old nonprofit organization, including its move to Plano.
“I wanted to do something with a more significant impact,” said Trisha. “Working at TI gave me a firsthand look at many of the issues in our community, and I wanted to connect my profession with helping out. Getting this job was divine intervention.”
One of Trisha’s goals is to provide 74 million nutritious meals to children, seniors and families this year (a two million increase from last year) through NTFB’s network of more than 1,000 program sites and 200 partnering agencies including Minnie’s Food Pantry, Seven Loaves and Plano Food Pantry. This is part of NTFB’s longer strategic plan to close the hunger gap by providing 92 million meals annually by 2025.
Helping more people is the main reason why the NTFB is moving its volunteer and distribution efforts to the new Perot Family Campus, located near Coit Road and President George Bush Turnpike.
Because NTFB’s current two facilities in South Dallas had reached capacity, Plano was chosen because it’s the central location (or “the sweet spot” as Trisha says) to the 13 counties served. The new space was built for the food bank’s needs, and will triple its current refrigerated space, reduce inefficiencies as all operations will be streamlined and allow for easier access for local businesses, volunteers and donors.
The grand opening for the Perot Family Campus at 3677 Mapleshade Lane will be held from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. September 16. The free event will have children’s activities, food trucks, facility tours, games and more.
Excited about getting involved? The Plano community can volunteer, advocate for those in need, give food – including donating to Mayor Harry LaRosiliere’s Peanut Butter Drive in September – and give money, since every dollar donated can provide three meals.
“Being hungry is the most basic of needs,” explained Trisha. “No matter what else is going on in your life, you have to have food. If we can help hungry people, it lifts the boats for all other nonprofits. When we are successful, it benefits everyone.”
Trisha is using her strengths to make Plano and surrounding areas a better place—now it’s up to us to help make sure nobody goes to bed hungry again.
North Texas Food Bank >
Interesting Facts about North Texas Food Bank:
NTFB provided almost 70 million meals to clients during fiscal year 2017.NTFB distributed 21 million pounds of fresh produce in fiscal year 2017.
12,000 backpacks were distributed by NTFB each weekend during the school year to chronically hungry kids.
NTFB services 13 counties. When you donate 1 dollar to NTFB, you provide access to 3 nutritious meals.
1 out of every 6 people in the service area are food in-secure, meaning they don't know where their next healthy meal will come from.
34,000 volunteers gave their time, talent and treasure to NTFB last year.
NTFB Perot Family Campus is the second largest food bank in Texas, behind Houston.
North Texas Food Bank gave us a sneak peak of their new campus:
The North Texas Food Bank’s Perot Family Campus is hosting a grand opening on Saturday, September 16 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Stop by for the ribbon cutting, games, face painting, live music, a tour of the new campus and more.
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