Fight food insecurity this September by volunteering, donating or advocating for those facing hunger.

North Texas Food Bank is joining Feeding America and other member food banks for Hunger Action Month^® this September to inspire people to join the fight to end hunger and raise awareness of people experiencing food insecurity across the United States.

A recent study revealed that Texas now leads the nation in food insecurity, surpassing California, with nearly 5 million people facing hunger statewide. Within NTFB’s 13 county service area, nearly 778,000 individuals, or 1 in 7 people, confront food insecurity, and tragically, nearly 40%, or 286,860, are children. NTFB’s service area also ranks fourth in terms of the number of people experiencing food insecurity.

“In the heart of North Texas, where the number of people facing hunger is greater than the populations of cities like Seattle or San Francisco, the statistic that strikes hardest is nearly 40% of those in need are children, and that is unacceptable,” said Trisha Cunningham, NTFB President and CEO. “Hunger Action Month is a great reminder that when members of our community step up, lend a hand, and share their voice, they are part of a powerful movement that can change the lives of our neighbors for good.”

Want to get involved? Here are a few ways to lend your time, treasure or voice this month:

1. DFW Restaurant Week (September 1): It’s the final weekend to support NTFB by participating in DFW Restaurant Week. About 20% of each meal purchased in the Dallas area goes toward the NTFB and its mission to close the hunger gap in North Texas. Find out more here.

2. Peanut Butter Drive: Cities, neighborhoods, corporations and organizations will collect jars of peanut butter throughout September to be distributed through the NTFB’s Food 4 Kids backpack program and feeding network of 500 partner agencies and organizations. North Texas residents and businesses can support the food drive by collecting physical jars of peanut butter or through a virtual food drive. More information can be found here.

3. Go Orange digitally with your Facebook, X or Instagram profile picture or cover photo. #hungeractionmonth.

4-7. Don’t miss register campaigns benefiting the NTFB throughout September for Hunger Action Month.  

• Round up to donate to Kroger’s Zero Hunger, Zero Waste Foundation when you shop.
• Don’t forget to round up in support of the North Texas Food Bank when checking out at any CVS this month.
• Support NTFB when you check out at any Tom Thumb or Albertsons.
• Shop at H-E-B and ask how you can support hunger relief when purchasing your groceries.

8. Host Your Own Canned Food Drive: Here’s a look at the most needed items.

9. Stay up to date with NTFB news by downloading our app here. You can find volunteer shifts, donate funds or find partner agencies.

10. Read Hunger Bugs Me! Purchase the children’s book that supports NTFB and teaches children about hunger and the ways they can make a difference through a story about Ladybug and her friends.

11. Give $42 in honor of NTFB’s 42^nd birthday this September: Each $42 donation made helps provide access to 123 meals for our neighbors facing hunger.

12. Donate a jar of peanut butter and make a peanut butter-based no-bake cookie recipe from NTFB’s Nutrition Services Team.

13. CANstruction Dallas will be on display September 14- October 6 at NorthPark Center. View the art-themed structures built entirely out of canned foods and other non-perishable food items by teams consisting of architecture, design, engineering and construction companies. NorthPark Center visitors can vote on their favorite structure by donating to that team’s fundraising page by visiting www.ntfb.org/canstruction. Every dollar donated during voting helps the NTFB provide access to three nutritious meals.

14. Register to Vote: The fourth Tuesday of every September is National Voter Registration Day. If you’re not registered, visit Texas.gov to register.

15. Give on North Texas Giving Day (September 19): Celebrate community-wide philanthropy and donate to NTFB on North Texas Giving Day. You can schedule your donation or set up your own fundraising page and encourage your family and friends to contribute. It is unnecessary to make a large donation to have a significant impact – every $1 donated provides access to three nutritious meals and match opportunities throughout the day will further the impact of your gift! Go to www.ntfb.org/ntgd for more information.

16. Get involved in the North Texas Giving Day Volunteerathon (September 19): Join hundreds of volunteers on North Texas Giving Day for a 24-hour Volunteerathon at NTFB’s Perot Family Campus. NTFB will host six volunteer shifts from midnight on September 19 through midnight on September 20. Volunteers will sort and box food for neighbors facing hunger during six themed shifts. For more information, visit https://ntfb.org/get-involved/volunteer/.

17. Host a virtual food drive: Support your neighbors facing hunger by hosting a virtual food drive. Every $1 donated helps provide three meals. Set a drive up here.

18. Advocate for hunger relief. Call or email your elected officials. Tell them why hunger matters and encourage them to strengthen critical nutrition programs in the Farm Bill—the nation’s centerpiece federal legislation for food and farming—that impacts access to nutritious food for people facing hunger, including seniors, children and active military members. You can find your representatives at www.ntfb.org/representatives. Visit www.ntfb.org/advocacy to stay informed of how government programs can help bridge the hunger gap locally and nationally – and how you can help.

19. Earn your Green Thumb: Volunteer in NTFB’s Jan’s Garden or at one of our partner gardens in the community.

20. The State Fair of Texas Feed the Need Food Drive begins on September 27: The North Texas Food Bank is partnering with the State Fair of Texas again this year to collect food donations to help feed a growing population of residents in need. On opening day, visitors can bring two 16-oz jars of peanut butter for a discounted ticket and each Wednesday, patrons who bring five cans of food will get a $5 admission.

Hunger Action Month is a time for everyone nationwide to fight hunger. Every action—big or small—is one step closer to a North Texas where no one faces hunger. Learn more about how you can join the fight to end hunger by visiting www.ntfb.org.