“We Need the Community to Step Up”

As schools let out for summer, food insecurity is magnified in the Tarrant Area.  Summer Hunger sets in and brings uncertainty for many families, especially children, who count on free and reduced breakfast and lunch programs.  Summer Hunger, coupled with inflation, reductions in SNAP and Medicaid benefits, high housing and childcare costs add strain on the household budget.  Families are forced to make difficult choices, including missed meals, to lower the cost for basic necessities.

TAFB realizes there is an increased need for food support in the summer and is asking for greater community support throughout the summer to ensure no child goes hungry. TAFB will increase partner agency feeding programs, add of stops with our R.E.D. Buses, including an additional vehicle in Denton County and has planned special events over the summer to ensure no child goes hungry. The food bank continues to add more school pantries to serve up a healthy, hunger-free summer with hours of operations that meet the needs of single moms and families across their 13-county service area.   TAFB Summer Hunger support will culminate with several back-to-school mobile events in August.

“We need the community to step up by volunteering and donating if they can”, said Julie Butner, President, and CEO of the Tarrant Area Food Bank.  “Summer is hardest on A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) single moms with children who have been hit even harder this summer because of other benefit reductions.”  Monetary donations and even a call for volunteers is what the Tarrant Area Food Bank says is needed most.  Please visit www.tafb.org to show your support in serving up a great summer for children in need.

To underscore the importance feeding programs, TAFB will kick-off the summer campaign onsite, and in partnership with Fort Worth ISD, at Kirkpatrick Middle School, Wednesday, June 7^th  at 3p, just minutes before the campus opens their doors to the surrounding community for the weekly summer feeding program.  This is just one of many schools in Fort Worth ISD that will offer summer feeding programs.

“Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Tarrant Area Food Bank to support the food needs of our families during the year, as well as the summer.  Said From Dr. Angelica Ramsey, FWISD Superintendent.  “The pantries at our schools provide non-perishable and fresh food in convenient locations.”

The event will be held at Kirkpatrick Middle School’s food pantry in Fort Worth 3201 Refugio Ave. FW 76106 (NOTE:  enter in the gymnasium parking lot on Lincoln Blvd.) beginning at 2:30p.  The event will be held in the gym at 3p and the pantry will open shortly thereafter.