One of the good things that has emerged from the pandemic was the awareness of something called “food insecurity.” In the past most folks just thought that hunger was limited to third-world countries. Surely, within the booming North Texas community, those in need of food were few.
But then pandemic media coverage of gargantuan lines of vehicles waiting for volunteers to provide containers of food brought the fight against hunger home. According to Feeding America and the North Texas Food Bank, one out of every six people in North Texas will go to bed hungry resulting in the area being the sixth highest food insecure population in the U.S.
Over the months the area food banks somehow managed to have the people power and resources to help, but they in turn were being stretched beyond their limits.
Realizing the desperate need for help, Bank of America has just announced that it is providing $700,000 through its COVID-19 Employee Booster Initiative for four area food banks — Crossroads Community Services, Community Food Bank, North Texas Food Bank and Tarrant Area Food Bank.
As North Texas Food Bank President/CEO Trisha Cunningham said, “We are so appreciative for the support of companies like Bank of America. Our mission for the last forty years has been to bridge the hunger gap in North Texas and provide children, adults and seniors a hunger-free future. Corporate partners are a critical component of our efforts and we could not meet the growing demand for our services without their trust, collaboration and generosity.”
Through the initiative and a company contribution, Bank of America has “donated $100 for each bank employee who recorded a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot” resulting in an estimated 2.5M meals in the region.
According to Bank of America Dallas President Jennifer Chandler, “As the pandemic continues to impact Dallas-Ft. Worth, food banks and hunger relief organizations are experiencing increased demand and higher costs to meet the needs of individuals and families. Our commitment to help strengthen the communities we live in and serve is unwavering, which is why we are investing in the health, safety and well being of our teammates while also providing funds to help local organizations support our neighbors and fight food insecurity.”
*Graphic courtesy of North Texas Food Bank