by Jan Pruitt, President and CEO, North Texas Food Bank
Friends at Harvest, we are so happy to have you as trusted partners as we work to end hunger in our community. Your community garden efforts are a shining example of how a neighborhood can come together to make a difference in a big way!
As the holiday season approaches, it warms my heart to know that the food that you grew in your community garden will be enjoyed by our neighbors in need. The NTFB focuses on providing our clients with healthful foods, and nothing is better than food grown with love.
I have often heard that giving back is infectious- once someone is bitten by this bug, they want to know how they can do more. If you are looking to support the North Texas Food Bank in other ways- here are a few ideas:
·Host a virtual or canned food drive. This doesn’t need to be just cans! Dry non-perishable goods such as pastas, rice, and beans are always needed. You can even hold a neighborhood food drive and see which house can contribute the most food! Our website features a guide with all the tools you to help you get started!
· Support the NTFB's second annual holiday giving guide:
o Fund a Hungry Child: Your donation goes to the Food 4 Kids program, which provides school children with weekend backpacks full of food. This year we hope to raise $50,000 which will help provide 250 children in the Food 4 Kids program with a weekend backpack for an entire school year.
o Fund a Hungry Senior: Many seniors have to make the difficult decision of buying food or paying for medicine. Our Nourishing Neighbors program helps feed hungry seniors by delivering fresh produce, canned foods, and other nutritious shelf-stable items.
o Fund a Family: Many families in our community are unable to consistently put food on the table this holiday season. A $30 contribution will provide a family of four with a holiday meal, and $300 will provide 10 families with a holiday meal. No family should be worried about celebrating the holidays.
o Fund Nutrition Education: The North Texas Food bank provides participants with valuable cooking skills and nutrition information. Participants learn how to cook healthy and delicious foods on a budget. $400 will pay for the food for 15 participants during one Cooking Matters six-week course.
Dedicate a Snowflake this holiday season. Your $10 donation will help fight hunger this holiday season, and your name (or the name of a loved one) will be displayed on a snowflake in our warehouse! You can purchase your snowflake at our web store.
I want to share a most sincere thank you for your efforts to get involved in the fight against hunger. Harvest’s focus on giving back to the community is one reason why Hillwood Corporation was named Corporation of the Year at our Golden Fork Awards. We are endlessly thankful for all that Harvest has done for the North Texas Food Bank and we look forward to our continued partnership.