Upon celebrating their 40th anniversary, the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) disclosed that the organization received $10.5 million from one of the board member’s families, the Perot family.
The food bank made the announcement on February 19 during their annual Harvest Gala.
NTFB provided 125.6 million meals to kids, seniors, and families last year. They also distributed more than 37 million pounds of fresh produce in 2021.
The nonprofit was founded in 1982 by four Dallas women, Jo Curtis, Kathryn Hall, Lorraine Griffin Kircher, and Liz Minyard.
Their mission is to bridge the hunger gap in North Texas by feeding those in need of nutritious food. The organization now issues donated and purchased foods through partnerships with more than 200 agencies in 13 counties.
Trisha Cunningham, the CEO of the North Texas Food Bank, said the charity is fortunate to have the remarkable gift, and it will aid them to extend their efforts to serve more people.
Katherine Perot Reeves, a member of the Perot family and board member for NTFB, anticipates the offering will help the establishment keep the community healthy.
Giving back to others has been in her family for generations. Her grandmother, Lulu May Perot, helped others during the Great Depression.
There was an “X” written in chalk on the curb of her home, indicating to others that they could obtain food there.
“There’s never been a clearer case study for why an organization needs a safety net and an endowment,” said the CEO. “In times like right now, when inflation is going up, and needs go up, we know that sometimes income levels go down. We may not get as much support as we need, but the needs are even higher.”
The contribution is one of the largest that the nonprofit has ever received.
Individuals who want to help can volunteer, donate food or money, or use their voices to advocate to end hunger in Texas.