The Tarrant Area Food Bank says "mobile pantries" will continue even after some kids return to school in-person Monday. On Monday, families could choose in-person learning for kids in pre-K, kindergarten, and first, sixth and ninth grades. All students who selected in-person classes will return October 19.
Since classes moved online, Fort Worth ISD has offered individual meals for students, but Julie Butner, the president and chief executive of Tarrant Area Food Bank, says other family members would need help, as well.
"When there's a food-insecure child, there's a food-insecure family," she says.
Butner says the food bank has been including 20 pound boxes of food for students' families when they pick up individual meals.
"We're very excited we're working so much more closely with Fort Worth ISD than we did before COVID," she says.
Butner says Fort Worth ISD will let the food bank use Herman Clark Stadium in South Fort Worth for "mega mobile markets" each Friday through at least November 20, and mobile pantries will continue throughout the county at least through then Tuesday through Saturdays.
"Food is a basic necessity along with paying your rent or putting gas in your car," she says. "By providing this safety net, families can turn their resources to other needs like rent, utilities and gas."
Saturday, the Tarrant Area Food Bank plans a mobile pantry at TCC Northwest, located at 4801 Marine Creek Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76179. Additional options are available at http://tafb.org/find-food.