Agency News Alert

Vol. III, Issue XVI; August 12, 2008

Agency Zone "Close the Gap"

1. We had a great turn out at the "Close the Gap" Strategic Plan meeting. More than 70 Executive Directors or representatives from food pantries from our 13 county service area were in attendance to hear how the NTFB planned to help them "Close the Gap" on hunger.
2. Media - The following news outlets were on hand to report on the "Close the Gap" Strategic Plan meeting:
• Dallas Morning News - Interviewed Jan Pruitt, President and CEO, North Texas Food Bank and Denise Butler, Executive Director, North Ellis County Outreach Center
• CBS 11 - Interviewed Teresa Jackson, Executive Director, Sharing Life Community Outreach
• FOX 4 - Interviewed Jan Pruitt and Pastor Daryl Carter, Carver Heights Baptist Church
• CW 33 - Interviewed Jan Pruitt and Brian Burton, Executive Director, Wilkinson Center; Also went to Duncanville Outreach to interview a client
3. Highlights of meeting
• NTFB has now eliminated all "At-Cost" items on shopping list
• NTFB will be providing family sized Community Kitchen casseroles to all food pantries
• NTFB has added 13 staple items to the current shopping list which now totals 18 staple items
• NTFB will offer grants to help agencies serve more meals by increasing days and hours of operation, service area or frequency of service.
4. Announcing: Agency of the Year Award criteria
• Excellent Capacity Building Review (Previously called monitoring visit)
• Attended minimum requirement for Agency University
• Good Financial Standing
• All reports complete and turned in on time
• Pantries increase food distribution by 30%
• On-sites increase nutritional quality and provide more services
• The finalists will complete an essay
• Winner will receive $2500, invitation to NTFB events, spotlight in the NTFB newsletter and website, a seat on the Agency Advisory council and recognition at the Member Agency Conference (MAC)

Policy Change: Grievance Policy alert
Starting August 1, the North Texas Food Bank will require all Member Agencies to use a Grievance Policy when dealing with clients who feel they have been mistreated or discriminated against. To read more about the new policy click here.

Recent News Articles
Dallas News Story

Grayson County Shelter Seeking Supplies
KTEN - Sherman,TX,USA
The Grayson County Shelter just teamed up with the North Texas Food Bank that announced it plans to double it's supplies over the next three years because of growing demand.

CCA food pantry needing help
Lewisville Leader - Plano,TX,USA
Through financial donations, CCA is able to buy pallets of canned food and dry goods at 14 cents per pound through the North Texas Food Bank. ...
See all stories on this topic

North Texas relief agencies brace for Dolly's wrath 3:56 PM CT
Dallas Morning News - Dallas,TX,USA
Paul Wunderlich, chief operating officer for the North Texas Food Bank, said his staff is prepared to send aid if the call comes from the state's network.
See all stories on this topic

Baron and Blue Foundation awards $330000 to 19 Dallas-area ...
Pegasus News - Dallas,TX,USA
... Family Gateway, Genesis Women's Shelter, Homeward Bound, Interfaith Housing Coalition, Jonathan's Place, North Texas Food Bank, Parkland Foundation, ...
See all stories on this topic

Texas Senate Candidates Outline Energy Plans
KERA - Dallas,TX,USA
That's why Republican Senator John Cornyn was at the North Texas Food Bank this week. He says more hungry people are turning to food banks because they're ...
See all stories on this topic

Frisco community calendar
Dallas Morning News - Dallas,TX,USA
WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE support group teams affiliated with the North Texas Food Bank meet in and around Frisco. 469-362-2239. ...
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Sen. Cornyn Calls on Congressional Leaders to Act on Record-High ...
John Cornyn, R-Texas, today visited the Flying J Travel Plaza in Waco and the North Texas Food Bank in Dallas to discuss the serious burden record-high energy prices are having on Texas families and the continued refusal of the Majority ...
United States Senator John Cornyn, Texas - http://cornyn.senate.gov/public/