NOTICE FROM THE NORTH TEXAS FOOD BANK:
“As the federal government shutdown continues, the North Texas Food Bank is preparing for a growing demand for food assistance across the region. The organization is working closely with its network of more than 500 food pantries and community partners to ensure families can access nutritious food as federal workers miss paychecks and Texas families risk losing access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November.
“Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cautioned states that funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could be exhausted if the federal shutdown continues beyond Oct. 27. In Texas, officials have warned that benefits could end as soon as November, impacting about 3.5 million residents statewide, nearly half of them children. Within the North Texas Food Bank’s 12-county service area, approximately 460,000 people could be affected.
“’The North Texas Food Bank is deeply concerned about the impact an extended government shutdown could have on families across our community,’ said Sarah Burns, vice president of external affairs at the North Texas Food Bank. ‘A prolonged shutdown could force hundreds of thousands of neighbors to make difficult choices between paying rent, keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. We want everyone to know that we are here to help.’
“NTFB and its partners are working to make sure local pantries remain stocked and mobile food distributions continue throughout the shutdown. Anyone in need of food assistance can find a nearby pantry or mobile food distribution site online.
“Food assistance for federal employees and neighbors near airports
“In partnership with Dallas College, NTFB is offering food assistance for federal employees and others living or working near DFW and Love Field airports. During the shutdown, food pantries at the following Dallas College campuses will be open for community members to walk in on Fridays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.:
• Dallas College Brookhaven Campus – 3939 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75244
• Dallas College West Dallas Center – 3330 N. Hampton Road, Dallas, TX 75212
• Dallas College North Lake Campus – 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75038
“Mobile food distributions
“NTFB also supports a network of mobile food distributions across North Texas to reach families who may be struggling to make ends meet:
• Dallas College will hold a mobile food distribution at its Richland Campus located at 12800 Abrams Road, Dallas, TX 75243 on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m.-noon.
• Catholic Charities Dallas operates one of the most extensive mobile outreach programs in the region, with more than 115 sites across nine counties providing food six days a week. Details and schedules are available online.
• Additional mobile food distributions can be found at the Food Bank’s website. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. While no identification is required, participants will be asked to provide their name, household size and zip code. Distributions are drive-through only and may be affected by weather or other conditions.
“’Hunger is already high across Texas, and a prolonged shutdown will only increase uncertainty for families,’ Burns said. ‘Even in challenging times, our community can count on the North Texas Food Bank to continue serving our neighbors.’
“Programs supporting seniors
“NTFB partners with the Texas Department of Agriculture to operate the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, locally known as PAN (People and Nutrition). Eligible seniors age 60 and older can receive a monthly box of about 35 pounds of USDA-provided nonperishable food. The program serves residents across 12 North Texas counties, including Dallas, Collin, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman and others. Find more details at the NTFB website.
“SNAP Information and Assistance
“SNAP is one of the nation’s most effective tools in fighting hunger. NTFB helps families access benefits by providing information and application assistance throughout its 12-county service area. Neighbors can still apply for SNAP and see updates to their benefits during the government shutdown. To learn more or get help applying visit the NTFD website.”