North Texas Food Bank, UNT Dallas, Tom Thumb/Albertsons and Uniqulo Partner to Support 1,000 Families this Thanksgiving

The first car lined up more than 12 hours early for the November 22 holiday distribution at UNT Dallas.

Neighbors Richard and Christie pulled up outside of University of North Texas at Dallas just after 8:30 p.m. on Friday night to ensure they didn’t miss out on a turkey and other food during North Texas Food Bank and UNTD’s annual Thanksgiving distribution that began at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 22.

“We came last year and waited for four hours and weren’t able to get anything, so I put this on my schedule, and we came over as soon as I got off work,” says Christie, a bus driver who has four kids at home. “With bills and everything going up, this is a big help.”

The distribution that was hosted in partnership with longtime NTFB supporter Tom Thumb/Albertsons. Nearly 1,000 families received a turkey, a gift card, and about 60 pounds of nutritious food, including milk and a bag of produce. Thanks to its partnership with Feeding America, UNIQLO volunteers also provided families with HEATTECH thermal clothing as part of the company’s Heart of LifeWear initiative.

^{Former Dallas Cowboy Joe Looney, Christy Lara, Director of Public Relations for Tom Thumb / Albertsons; Trisha Cunningham, NTFB President & CEO; Dallas Cowboys’ Rowdy}

“With the government shutdown affecting paychecks and benefits for many families, this Thanksgiving event came at a crucial time,” says Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of North Teas Food Bank, adding that the distribution served double the number of families as last year. “We’re here to help those families get back on their feet. Tom Thumb/Albertsons and UNT Dallas continue to be incredible partners in helping us make sure every neighbor has food on the table. Their ongoing support allows us to respond quickly when our community needs us most.”

Ramona, a mom and grandmother who got in line just after midnight, said whatever they could receive would help. She was recently laid off and is caring for her grandkids. They typically receive SNAP benefits, but Ramona said they were delayed this month, which put them behind on everything.

“Whatever I can get is appreciated. Food is food,” she said. “I’m just so grateful that there are organizations like you that are helping people.”

^{Terry and her son}

Terry, who waited a few cars behind Ramona, said both she and her mom are on disability so providing for her children on a fixed income is difficult until she can get back to work.

“This means the world,” she said. “It really helps.”

Joe Posada-Triana, Director of Student Connections and Support at UNTD, said when families receive food, they’re able to use the money they save for other necessary bills. Along with the holiday distribution, UNTD hosts monthly distributions to support neighbors and has a pantry on-site for students and staff.

Christy Lara, Director of Public Relations for Tom Thumb / Albertsons, said they’re proud to be a part of the event.

“We recognize that the holidays can be financially stressful for many families, especially now. Our partnership with NTFB and UNT Dallas reflects our commitment to supporting our neighbors and helping break the cycle of hunger.”