TCU employees are gearing up once again to compete for a cause. The Center for Connection Culture is collecting canned foods Sept. 1-15 for the Tarrant Area Food Bank.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring back this opportunity to connect with each other and connect with – and help – our community,” said Dana Sweatman, executive program specialist.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the need is higher than ever. Sweatman said that, according to its annual report, the food bank provided 60 million pounds of food during the pandemic. That equals one million meals weekly.
“They have not provided updated stats, but I know that the need is continuing, and, while it may not be as high as the last fiscal year during the height of the pandemic, it is still very much needed,” Sweatman said.
The main goal of Frogs Feed the Fort is to provide food for the Tarrant Area Food Bank, but it’s also a chance to build camaraderie among employees along the way.
“TCU employee teams must work together in order to have a chance at winning,” Sweatman said.
Employees are divided into departmental teams and must follow set rules, including the dropoff deadline of 8 a.m. to noon on Sept. 15. Teams will hold their donations until this time.
The team with the most items collected will have lunch provided on campus.
“Teams enjoy working together to try to come out on top, all for a wonderful opportunity to support and feed our community,” Sweatman said.
In 2019 – before TCU’s 2020 drive was cancelled due to the pandemic – Horned Frogs collected and donated 19,279 food items – enough to supply 13,210 meals to organizations addressing food insecurity in our community. Tarrant Area Food Bank serves 13 counties and is the primary source of donated food for hunger-relief charities and feeding programs in North Texas.
The following items are requested:
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, ham, etc.)*
- Canned fruit and vegetables*
- Protein bars, fiber bars
- Peanut butter (no glass jars)
- Dried beans, rice
- Cereal, cereal bars, cereal cups
- Boxed pastas, mac & cheese cups
- Boxed or canned soups*
- Boxed or canned juices*
*Pop-top cans preferred, if available
Go deeper in TCU Magazine: Food Bank Director Leads During Pandemic