Frequently Asked Questions

Fighting hunger is an ongoing battle as the population grows and the economy expands and contracts. Each week, Tarrant Area Food Banks is able to provide access to 1,000,000 nutritious meals through a network of over 450 pantries and area feeding programs.

Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. Food is needed all year round. We encourage groups to start virtual food drives and volunteer with us. All of these opportunities help put food on the table for hungry North Texans.

So your food donations can be used as quickly as possible, please drop off nonperishable food items directly with one of our partner agency locations. Use our Find Food Map to find your nearest partner

All non-perishable food items are accepted, but the greatest need is for healthy, kid-friendly foods and canned protein, fruits, and vegetables.

Tarrant Area Food Bank can only accept baby formula and cereal donations from the food industry. Jars of baby food must be in the original cases of the manufacturer.

Hunger can affect any one of us. Most people who seek food assistance have to swallow their pride before going to a pantry or soup kitchen. Many are hard-working, low-wage earners without health insurance who are trying to support families while dealing with medical bills, major car repairs or other situations that become financial crises because of their low incomes. Others are living on fixed incomes—people such as senior citizens or individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Some are middle-income earners who have been laid off and have spent their savings while job hunting.

One of every four children in our service area struggles with hunger. In addition to eating groceries from pantries or even meals at soup kitchens, these children may receive food through one of TAFB’s Food for Kids programs.

Tarrant Area Food Bank does not provide food directly to people. We supply food across 13 counties to our Partner Agencies such as churches and community centers that then serve local individuals and families.

Enter your ZIP code in our Find Food map to view a list of local agencies that provide food assistance. Our Community Resources team also helps people apply for SNAP, financial assistance and other aid. Learn more.

In addition, individuals and families seeking food assistance can find help by calling the three-digit phone number 2-1-1 or if calling from a cell phone, dial 817-258-8100. These two phone numbers reach United Way’s information and referral staff, who can share information about local community resource agencies.