North Texas Food Bank Invites Community to Play Your Part During Hunger Action Month

September campaign highlights urgent need and encourages collective action across North Texas

Dallas, TX, Sept. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Hunger Action Month begins, the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is joining the Feeding America network in urging the community to Play Your Part in the fight against hunger. With the rising cost of everyday essentials continuing to strain household budgets, NTFB is calling on neighbors across its 12‑county service area to help ensure families have reliable access to nutritious food.

"Together we can end hunger," said Denis McDonough, CEO of Feeding America. "It takes people looking out for each other, especially now, as so many families are navigating difficult tradeoffs necessitated by high food prices. This Hunger Action Month, we're asking everyone to show up for their neighbors facing hunger and play their part. Whether you give, volunteer, speak up or support your community in another way, your action matters.  When neighbors care for neighbors, we strengthen our communities." 

According to the latest data available from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, Texas continues to lead the nation in hunger, with more than 6 million people unsure if they will have food to put on their table each night. In the 12 counties served by North Texas Food Bank, nearly 800,000 people are food insecure, and tragically, 36% of those are children.

“Right now, one in four children in Texas is experiencing hunger, a heartbreaking increase from last year,” said Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank. “North Texas is fourth among U.S. metro areas in the number of people facing hunger. When we work together, small actions like giving a donation, joining a volunteer shift and speaking up create a ripple effect. Every action builds a bridge toward stability, helping protect families and helping communities stay strong in the face of tough times.”

How to Get Involved During Hunger Action Month

The North Texas Food Bank is offering many ways for individuals, groups, and businesses to play your part:

Peanut Butter Drive – All September

Help NTFB collect 100,000 pounds of peanut butter to support the child feeding programs and agency partners. Donate physical jars or take part in a virtual drive. Kroger returns as the Grocery Champion Sponsor. www.ntfb.org/peanutbutterdrive

CANstruction Dallas – August 29 to September 13

Visit NorthPark Center to see massive canned‑good sculptures created by local architects and engineers. Vote for your favorite with a $5 donation (one vote = 15 meals). www.ntfb.org/canstruction

North Texas Giving Day – September 17

Make a gift that provides meals to local families. Every $1 donated provides access to three meals. Schedule your gift or set up a personal fundraising page at www.ntfb.org/ntgd

Volunteer-a-thon – September 17

Help sort and box food during one of six themed volunteer shifts during this 24-hour event at NTFB’s Perot Family Campus. Learn more: www.ntfb.org/event/volunteer-a-thon

Advocate for Food Access and Assistance

Contact your elected officials and urge them to protect and strengthen federal nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is one of the nation’s best tools to fight hunger. For every meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine. Learn how to get involved at ntfb.org/advocacy.

Feed the Need – State Fair of Texas – Starting September 25

Bring two 16-ounce jars of peanut butter on opening day for a discounted fair ticket. On Wednesdays, bring five canned goods for $7 admission. More info: www.ntfb.org/statefair.

Donate our most needed food or host a food drive or fundraising event. 

It’s easy to send a few of our most-needed items by visiting our Amazon Wishlist at www.ntfb.org/amazon. Learn how to host a virtual fundraiser, a virtual food drive, or a Facebook fundraiser.  There are many ways to give and engage your network.

Find your part this Hunger Action Month. Give. Volunteer. Speak up. Because when neighbors care for neighbors, we don’t just work to end hunger; we help protect the communities we call home. Learn more about how you can join the fight to end hunger by visiting www.ntfb.org.

 

About North Texas Food Bank

North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a leading nonprofit organization that fights hunger and provides children, seniors and families in North Texas access to nutritious food. For over 40 years, we have been at the forefront of hunger relief, committed to ensuring that no one in our community lacks access to healthy food. Our extensive network of 500 food pantries and organizations, volunteers, and donors enables us to deliver more than 141 million meals last year to those in need. Beyond just addressing hunger, we focus on nourishing lives by offering nutrition education, investing in our network partners, innovating solutions to eliminate hunger and advocating for policies that tackle the root causes of food insecurity.

Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, highlighting our strong governance, integrity, and financial stability. As a proud member of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger relief network, we are committed to ensuring everyone in North Texas has the nourishment needed to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. For more information, visit http://www.ntfb.org/ or connect with us on social media @NorthTexasFoodBank.

 

About Feeding America 

Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more. 

Attachments

• NTFB Peanut Butter Drive
• CANstruction Dallas

Jeff Smith
North Texas Food Bank 
469-891-7022
Jeff.Smith@ntfb.org