The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) saw a changing of the guard on Monday, ushering in new board members and a new board chair as the organization experiences renewed demand amid record inflation.
“The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the hunger crisis, both creating and exposing unprecedented food insecurity in every zip code that we serve,” stated new board Chair Jerri Garison in a press release.
She continued, “And now, with the current inflated prices of food and gas, we are once again seeing hunger needs that equal those during the height of the pandemic. I am honored to be part of an organization and community that is committed to helping neighbors facing hunger.”
Last fiscal year, the organization provided over 125 million meals to those in need, clocking a 64% increase in meals provided before the pandemic, according to the press release.
NTFB president and CEO Trisha Cunningham praised outgoing board Chair Michael Brookshire, stating, “The North Texas Food Bank was fortunate to have Michael Brookshire chairing our board during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Michael’s leadership, the North Texas Food Bank provided a record number of meals while developing a long-term operational strategy for providing food for today and hope for tomorrow for the more than 800,000 people facing hunger in North Texas.”
Cunningham went on to describe the new board of directors as “comprised of some of Dallas’ most dedicated, strategic leaders,” pointing to Tom Nelson and Reverend Dr. Lael C. Melville.
Nelson is the senior vice president of operations for the Southern Division of Albertsons Companies, and Melville is the CEO and co-founder of the nonprofit charity group Melville Family Foundation.
