The North Texas Food Bank will host a large-scale Thanksgiving food distribution at the University of North Texas at Dallas on Nov. 22, offering support to families affected by the government shutdown and persistent food insecurity across the region.
The drive-through event will run from 9 a.m. to noon, or while supplies last, at 7300 University Hills Blvd. Organizers expect to serve roughly 500 families.
What Families Will Receive
Each household will receive:
A turkey
About 60 pounds of food
HEATTECH thermal clothing from UNIQLO volunteers
NTFB President and CEO Trisha Cunningham said the timing is critical as many households face interrupted paychecks and benefits. She emphasized the longstanding support of Tom Thumb/Albertsons and UNT Dallas in meeting urgent community needs.
North Texas Hunger Crisis Intensifies
Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in the region. Feeding America data shows:
Texas has the highest number of food-insecure individuals in the country
The Dallas–Fort Worth area ranks third among major U.S. metros
Nearly 744,000 people in NTFB’s 12-county service area face hunger, including 250,000 children
More than 60% of those affected live in Dallas County
Community Partnerships Deepen
UNT Dallas, which has partnered with NTFB since 2020, continues to serve as a central hub for community food support.
The campus hosts monthly mobile distributions and has already helped more than 1,500 families this year, providing over 140,000 pounds of food. The university also operates the Trailblazers Care Pantry for students.
Albertsons and Tom Thumb—key partners for more than four decades—contribute through volunteer work, food donations, and financial support.
Their Recipe for Change initiative donated nearly 2.5 million pounds of food to NTFB last year, and a recent multi-year $3 million grant will support NTFB’s long-term strategic plan.
UNIQLO, participating through its Heart of LifeWear initiative, will distribute thermal clothing at the event and is collaborating with Feeding America to provide meals and clothing nationwide.
How to Attend
No registration is required, but participants must arrive by vehicle. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Households will be asked only for their size and zip code.
For additional assistance, NTFB has supplied about 15,000 turkeys to partner food pantries this season. Residents can find nearby food resources or mobile distributions through NTFB’s website and can also inquire about Senior Programs and SNAP support.
