A Message from Trisha Cunningham
Thank you for joining us for the 19th annual Taste of the Cowboys, presented by Ashley! We are excited to gather with you this evening at the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility, The Star, in support of the North Texas Food Bank’s Child Programs. Whether you are joining us for the first time or have attended in the past, we are grateful you have chosen to partner with us in the fight against hunger.
Since 1982, the NTFB has been addressing this complex issue by providing nourishment and hope to neighbors across our 13-county region through access to nutritious food. To accomplish this, we collaborate with a diverse feeding network of more than 400 food pantries and community organizations that meet hunger at its doorstep in their local communities. We could not do what we do without the dedication of supporters like all of you, and it could not come at a more critical time.
This past year, we have seen the hunger needs in North Texas exceed some of the highest levels we experienced during the pandemic due to historic inflation and rising costs of groceries and other necessities. Since March of 2022, when inflation hit, we have seen a 15% increase in distribution, with the Food Bank and our Feeding Network providing access to about an average of 12 million meals per month.
And we know that families with children are especially vulnerable to hunger during uncertain economic times. There are currently more than 250,000 children facing food insecurity in Food Bank’s service area. This is 1 in 5 children who do not know where their next meal will come from. As we enter the summer months – a time when many families face increased hardships while school is on break – rising prices are only intensifying these challenges for families across North Texas.
Your support of Taste of the Cowboys is ensuring our signature Child Program initiatives – Food 4 Kids Back Program, School Pantry Program, and Summer Programming – along with our feeding network – can meet the hunger needs of our neighbors all year round.
Thank you to the Dallas Cowboys for their longstanding partnership. I also want to recognize the following sponsors for their generosity in making this evening possible, including our presenting sponsor, Ashley, as well as Tom Thumb/Albertsons Foundation, KPMG, Ryan Foundation, Arcosa, Berry Family Services, Reliant, Akin, Geico Philanthropic Foundation, Pollock Orora, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Globe Life, Alphagraphics, Black Rifle Coffee Company, Hornitos, Kendra Scott, and Maker's Mark. We also want to recognize our Mission Moment Sponsors: HungerMitao, NiHao and SinHambre. Finally, thank you to our participating chefs and restaurants for making this such a special evening.
We are dedicated to ensuring children have the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow up strong and confident. Thank you for standing beside us in these efforts and helping us move toward a hunger-free and healthy North Texas. Enjoy your evening!
Trisha Cunningham
President & CEO, North Texas Food Bank