FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF News) – The Tarrant Area Food Bank is asking the public to help feed thousands of North Texans who don’t have enough food to eat this holiday season.
The Food Bank’s Anita Foster said that although Dallas and Tarrant County are two of the top 10 hungriest counties in the country, it’s a largely hidden problem.
“Many people are ashamed to talk about the fact that they have to go to a food pantry but they shouldn’t because one out of every four people faces hunger every day and one out of four of those is a child,” she said.
Around 1.2 million people face hunger in North Texas. Foster said the numbers break down to around 540,000 in Tarrant County and the surrounding areas and about 800,000 in Dallas County.
“One out of every sixth person faces hunger every single day. That’s a lot of people around you every single day. It’s a gift of generosity that allows us to make sure that people do have food to eat,” she said.
Many people don’t realize how many people are affected by hunger. Foster said she sees a wide array of people waiting in line at the pantry.
“People that come and get in line are working people that have to make tough choices. Am I going to pay my electric bill or buy food for my family. Senior citizens often have to choose between paying for medication or paying for food. We just don’t want people to have to make those choices,” she said.
The organization serves as the primary source of donated food for hunger relief charities and feeding programs in 13 North Texas counties. Foster said they make each donation, no matter the size, count.
“As little as $10 can actually help provide 50 meals for people. We also have a match going right now from the Beaumont Foundation. For every dollar that you give right now, those dollars will be matched through the month of December up to $100,000,” she said.
For information on how to donate, click here.
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