The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) recently unveiled a new five-year strategic plan aimed at transforming hunger relief across the region. Called Fulfilling Futures, the initiative is designed to go beyond food distribution and address the deeper roots of food insecurity that affect more than 774,000 North Texans, nearly one in five of whom are children.
Building On A Record Of Success
The launch of Fulfilling Futures comes on the heels of NTFB’s Nourish North Texas campaign, which surpassed its ambitious $500 million goal. That success underscored the community’s deep commitment to fighting hunger and laid the foundation for a more long-term response.
“Our mission is rooted in the same belief that has guided us for more than 40 years: No one deserves to be hungry,” said Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO of NTFB. “Fulfilling Futures is the next evolution of that vision.”
In recent years, NTFB nearly doubled its meal distribution, reaching a record 118 million meals in the last fiscal year, 90% of them nutritious. The Food Bank also facilitated more than 19 million meals through SNAP application assistance. But despite these gains, new data analysis revealed persistent disparities in food access at the ZIP code level.
How NTFB Plans To Close The Hunger Gap
In collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group and informed by nearly a year of input from local partners and communities, Fulfilling Futures outlines five key priorities:
1. Increase Agility and Efficiency in Food Access
NTFB plans to improve its operations through data-driven strategies, expand the share of donated non-government food and support neighbors in accessing SNAP benefits.
2. Strengthen the Partner Network
With nearly 500 food pantries and community organizations in its network, NTFB will deepen investments to boost capacity, improve data-sharing and connect food access with services like job training and healthcare.
3. Expand a Holistic Approach to Hunger
NTFB will increase investments in wrap-around services, growing its FoodRx program and partnering with at least 50 medical clinics. The plan also calls for supporting at least 20 new or expanded programs that address hunger’s root causes, such as financial literacy and career training.
4. Use Data to Drive Decisions
Enhanced data systems will guide how and where food is distributed, ensuring every ZIP code gets the support it needs. Public reporting will also help build a broader understanding of food insecurity across the region.
5. Secure Long-Term Financial Health
By growing its endowment and boosting planned giving through the Full Plate Society, NTFB aims to ensure long-term sustainability regardless of economic conditions.
A Community-Powered Movement
Cunningham emphasized that the goal is essential to meeting the needs of local residents and helping them achieve self-sufficiency more quickly. The plan aims to provide more holistic support and empower partner organizations, with the broader hope that both partners and others outside the network can work together to close the hunger gap.
“We know that simply providing food isn’t enough — our neighbors face systems that too often stand in the way of lasting progress,” said Cunningham. “The North Texas Food Bank calls on donors, volunteers, policymakers and partners to join us in this bold mission. When North Texas comes together, we don’t just fight hunger — we transform lives and fulfill futures.”
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