As its Member Agencies’ food pantries report continued increases in first-time clients in the poor economy,  according to a new survey*, the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is calling for URGENT help in meeting its $7 million holiday fundraising goal, with only a fraction of the funds raised to date — leaving a fundraising shortfall of approx. $5.2 million. Donations are needed by the end of December as NTFB — which supplies food to 300 local Member Agencies and 1000 programs — works to meet consistently increasing demand, while also being hit with higher food costs and less government food subsidies. WE NEED A HERO!  If the goal is not met, NTFB will not be able to meet the needs of the community and pantries will be short on inventory for those who are going “Hungry Today.”  Important programs for kids, families and seniors could be affected.

The vast majority (83 percent) of NTFB’s local Member Agencies report increases in first-time clients requiring food assistance, and 16 percent have had to turn away more potential clients because of lack of food, according to a new informal quarterly survey (Fall 2011)

• NTFB food distribution has increased by 20 percent compared to last year
• Long-term unemployment, poverty, hunger and food insecurity rates are at or near all-time highs, forcing more people to require emergency food assistance
• Nearly 1 in 6 people in our community is living in hunger (food insecure)
• Food prices have increased, with costs for in-demand foods like peanut butter up 30 percent or more, nationally
• NTFB must raise 33 percent more money compared to last year in order to keep up with the  increased need for food assistance and to offset the cost of more nutritious items not readily donated like produce
• Holidays are the most important time for fundraising when nearly half of NTFB’s annual funds are raised
• The $5.2 million fundraising shortfall translates to a potential 15,600,000 meals

 HOW TO HELP

• Just $1 = 3 meals
• Supporters are asked to give online at ntfb.org or start a virtual food drive with friends and family
• Businesses are asked to consider NTFB for meaningful year-end charitable giving
• Check out the NTFB Facebook page for weekly updates and to help spread the word on meeting the $7 million goal - http://www.facebook.com/feednorthtexas