Something you might not think about when the weather warms up: summer is actually one of the toughest times of year for families facing food insecurity. When school lets out, so do the breakfast and lunch programs that millions of kids rely on. It’s a gap that hits hard, and it’s exactly why Texas Trust Credit Union Gives Foundation just wrapped up a massive spring food drive.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Through several weeks of collecting, sorting, and good old-fashioned elbow grease, the foundation delivered nearly 50,000 meals to five food banks across the region. That’s a lot of mac and cheese—and a lot of families who won’t have to choose between groceries and other bills this summer.
More Than Just Canned Goods
The initiative wasn’t just about dropping off donations and calling it a day. Texas Trust employees got hands-on, volunteering their time and raising $8,000 through an internal giving campaign. That cash went directly to the participating food banks—North Texas Food Bank, Mission Arlington, Tarrant Area Food Bank, Concho Valley Food Bank, and Henderson County Food Pantry—with each organization getting what they needed most based on their specific community challenges.
The haul included 1,286 cans of fruits, meats, and vegetables; 2,292 grain items like cereal and pasta; and 1,391 high-priority staples such as peanut butter and cooking oil. You know, the stuff that actually makes meals happen, not just fills shelves.
Strategic Timing Makes a Difference
Here’s where the strategy gets smart. Most of us are in peak giving mode between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Food banks see a surge of donations, then watch their shelves gradually empty through spring and summer. By launching this drive when they did, Texas Trust hit a critical window when need is high but resources are running low.
“Most organizations focus their giving around the winter holidays, but the need for nutritious food is constant year-round,” explained Washima Huq, Executive Director of the Texas Trust Gives Foundation. “Our employees stepped up to ensure families, especially children, have reliable access to meals as they head into the summer months when school programs pause. We’re proud to support these vital nonprofits during a time when resources can be scarce, and we’re grateful for the dedication of our team members.”
Real Impact, Right Now
The effects rippled across North Texas immediately. At the North Texas Food Bank alone, volunteers packaged 37,125 meals, while the monetary donation provided enough food for 18,000 families. The Tarrant Area Food Bank turned its financial contribution into 10,000 meals.
Mission Arlington had a particularly memorable experience—the donation was one of the largest in-kind gifts the organization has ever received. We’re talking so much food that volunteers spent the entire week just getting everything onto pantry shelves.
“Mission Arlington is incredibly grateful to Texas Trust employees for their generosity,” said Tillie Burgin, the organization’s executive director. “Their food drive became one of our largest donations and will help feed families throughout our community. We are also thankful for the volunteers who gave their time to unload the truck and fully stock our pantry, making an immediate impact for those we serve.”
It’s a reminder that fighting hunger isn’t just a holiday season activity. The need doesn’t take a summer vacation—and neither should the people working to meet it.