Dallas Youth To Receive Free Meals at Summer Programs North

Dallas Youth To Receive Free Meals at Summer Programs
North Texas Food Bank sponsors Summer Food Service Programs through the Texas Department of
Agriculture
WHAT:
The North Texas Food Bank announces its sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program at several
locations throughout the Dallas area. Free meals and snacks are offered to children, ages 1-18.
No formal enrollment is required for children to receive free meals. Other program activities may
require registration. For details, please contact each site.
BACKGROUND:
In the 13 North Texas counties served by the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), there are 1.2 million
children, and more than 23 percent are living at or below the federal poverty level, which is $20,000 for a
family of four.
Summer is the hungriest season for children because school feeding programs end for the summer. NTFB
agencies report an increase in demand of as much as 54 percent in the summer months. According to these
agencies, of the households they serve with children 18 and younger, 67.9 percent participate in the free or
reduced federal school lunch program during the school year, but only 8.8 percent participate in food
programs providing free lunches during the summer.
In accordance with federal law and USDA policy, the North Texas Food Bank and its member agencies are
prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity
provider and employer.
Check with individual sites for program registration deadlines and daily hours. For more information about
the Summer Food Program visit www.summerfood.org.
About the North Texas Food Bank:
The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a nonprofit hunger relief organization that distributes donated,
purchased and prepared foods through a network of 1,146 feeding programs in 13 North Texas counties.
The NTFB supports the nutritional needs of children, families and seniors through education, advocacy and
strategic partnerships. Close the Gap is the NTFB’s 3-year initiative to unite the community to narrow the
food gap by providing access to 50 million meals annually by 2011.
Founded in 1982, the NTFB is a member of Feeding America (feedingamerica.org). *Last year, the NTFB
provided access to 37 million meals through its efforts. Each month agency pantries distribute food to more
than 53,000 families and on-site meal programs serve 435,000 meals/snacks. Every dollar donated to the
NTFB provides four meals for the hungry.
Media Contacts:
Kim Smith
Media Relations
[email protected]
Cell: 214-707-5736
Colleen Brinkmann
Chief Philanthropy Officer [email protected]
214-347-9594
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