Weatherford (WBAP/KLIF) – The Tarrant Area Food Bank is still feeding families despite increased food prices, covid-19 pandemic, extreme heat conditions, and minimal volunteers. Chief Development Officer Stephen Raeside says more working families are in need of food.
“But inflation just hit our working families so hard. That’s caused again a soar in demand and we’re distributing a million meals a week again,” he said.
Right now, there’s a high covid-19 transmission rate in Tarrant county, where many people who work in service or the hospitality industry don’t have the opportunity to take time off. Raeside says increased Covid numbers are impacting how much food they can distribute.
“So many of our families work in service and the hospitality industry and lots and lots of jobs that don’t have sick leave. If someone tests positive for Covid, they might not have to go into the hospital but they are out of work for at least five days,” he said. “The impact on our families that work paycheck to paycheck is severe.”
Even with extreme heat conditions, the food bank is still taking extra precautions during their food distributions.
“It is however affecting our operations. So, we have to be constantly mindful of our volunteers and our clients at our outdoor distributions. So, we take extra steps to make sure everyone is safe,” said Raeside.
During the week, the Tarrant Area food bank is hosting Mission Markets where families can shop for nutritious food for free. People can shop at their market on Mondays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m or Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 to 2 p.m.
On Saturday, August 6, the food bank is distributing more food during their mobile event at the Met Church from 8 to 10 am. The Met Church is located at 11031 N. Riverside Drive, Fort Worth 76244. On Sunday, August 7, families can pick up food at their distribution center, located at 2600 Cullen street, Fort Worth 76107, from 2 to 4 pm.
Volunteers can register and help at the mobile market coming up this Saturday.
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