Local food banks will be holding multiple food distribution events this week, working to provide North Texans with food security this holiday season.
The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) will hold several drive-thru events and a “Fresh Route” distribution this week for struggling North Texans. These events will be held at locations in Dallas, Cedar Hill, and Allen.
The next Fresh Route distribution is scheduled to take place at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association in Allen from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday. The next drive-thru event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Denley Drive Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas.
“Please note that all Fresh Route distributions are walk-ups and produce-focused,” said the NTFB on its website. “Neighbors are encouraged to bring their own carts and baskets to help carry their food if they can.”
Jeff Smith with the NTFB told NBC 5 DFW that the organization has seen an increased need for service this holiday season, noting that it has provided more assistance in the past few months than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You have to consider also that during the holiday season, food isn’t just about nourishment. It’s a way for people to connect and celebrate and spend time with loved ones. So when food is missing, it leaves a hole bigger than hunger itself,” said Smith, per NBC 5. “So we just want to make sure that we are helping provide the necessities during the holiday season so that people can connect with the ones that they love.”
NTFB is not the only entity seeking to alleviate food security for North Texans.
The Tarrant Area Food Bank will host a Mega Mobile event at Weatherford High School in Parker County on December 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“These families are typically working but they’re not earning a living wage and have difficulty making it from paycheck to paycheck,” said Julie Butner, president and CEO of the Tarrant Area Food Bank, per NBC 5. “And that’s who we aim to support at our mega mobile events.”
Those needing assistance after Christmas can collect food at another NTFB drive-thru event at the Community Missionary Baptist Church in Cedar Hill on December 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The stress of putting food on the table appears to be a widespread issue across Texas. Although the Lone Star State is known for its low cost of living, many Texans are overwhelmed due to inflation and rising costs of shelter and food products, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
