Texas Food Bank Celebrates Black History Month

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Written By Mariano Clement Gupana

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This year, Valentine’s Day was marked by the announcement of the second annual Black History Month Celebration of Giving, to be held on Saturday, February 26. Hosted by the North Texas Food Bank in partnership with POWERHANDZ Power to Give Foundation, Celebration of Giving is dedicated to raising critical funds and resources for hunger relief and food insecurity through their special volunteer day and donation drive. 

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Danyel Surrency Jones, CEO and co-founder of POWERHANDZ, elaborates on the charity’s ultimate mission:

“POWERHANDZ is delighted to partner with North Texas Food Bank again this year, to demonstrate the strength of our collective power. The Power to Give Foundation is dedicated to helping youth fulfill their potential and ensuring they have access to nutritious food, [which] is critical to their development. This event is a great way to celebrate Black History Month, uniting leaders in the community who will help us on this journey to end hunger.”

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This year’s Celebration of Giving event will feature two volunteer opportunities, from 9am-11:30am and 1pm-3:30pm respectively. Volunteers can aid in the sorting and packing of food boxes on the NTFB production floor, while enjoying entertainment provided by a local DJ. Those wishing to sign up for a volunteer shift should head to Ntfb.org/powertogive. Readers wishing to make a donation can do so by visiting Ntfb.org/donatepowertogive. 

Ending the Food Desert Gap

The 2022 event will kick off with a ceremony to honor the Black community and civic leaders with the Black Leadership Power of Community award – a recognition highlighting contributions made towards the advancement of racial equity and the fight against hunger. The following local leaders will be commended on Saturday, February 26 at 9am: 

  • Kelvin Browning, Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry

  • Deacon Stephen Jackson, Community Missionary Baptist Church

  • Eddie Bernice Johnson, US Congresswoman

  • Mia Mbroh, Facilitator/Consultant/Author

  • Richard Miles, Founder of Miles of Freedom

  • Lena Wilson, Assistant Commissioner for the Food and Nutrition Division at the Texas Department of Agriculture

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“The NTF is pleased to present the Black Leadership Power of Community award to this group of community leaders, acknowledging their impact on the work of the North Texas Food Bank and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” stated Trisha Cunningham, NTFB President and CEO. “We are grateful for the support of these leaders who recognize the growing issue of hunger and look for ways to contribute to addressing this complex problem. Their leadership helps advance our mission of bridging the hunger gap in North Texas during this critical time, and beyond.” 

Local Food as the Solution to Food Insecurity

A crucial partner in this annual event, the North Texas Food Bank is a top-ranked nonprofit organization dedicated to hunger relief, working tirelessly across a network of 200+ partner agencies across 13 North Texas counties. In addition to sourcing, packaging, and distributing food, NTFB provides food to children, seniors, and families via direct-delivery programs and traveling mobile pantries. In its previous fiscal year, NTFB provided individuals with over 125 million nutritious meals – a 28% increase from their accomplishments in the prior year. Due to the ongoing elevated hunger crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the food bank has launched a $500 million campaign entitled Nourish North Texas, aiming to provide “food for today and hope for tomorrow” by identifying and addressing the root causes of food insecurity. 

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Hunger is one of many struggles thrown into stark relief by the ongoing pandemic, with nearly 15% of US households reporting food insecurity in the earliest months of the crisis. Prior to the pandemic, approximately 11% of US households were food insecure, reporting inadequate access to the quantities and qualities of food necessary to support an active, healthy lifestyle. These reports come from a study conducted by the NYU School of Global Public Health, which also states: 

“The pandemic has significantly changed our food landscape, with high unemployment producing long lines at food banks, interruptions in supply chains leaving shelves empty, and lockdowns prompting some consumers to stockpile shelf-stable groceries.” 

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While the crisis appears to be waning, the struggles of those facing hunger remain as prominent as ever. With the dedication of volunteers in programs such as Celebration of Giving, a little light can be cast onto the dark, uncertain path of food insecurity. To learn about more about ways you can help, and for details on upcoming events in your area, visit the North Texas Food Bank’s official website, and don’t forget to bookmark TexasRealFood for the latest food news in the Lone Star State.

February Events in Texas: Events to Check Out This Month

  • Stay in the loop with exciting February events in Texas. Whether it's food festivals, cultural celebrations, or community gatherings, find events to check out this month.

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Mariano Clement Gupana
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