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Food from the Bar Campaign Provides 640,000 Meals for North Texas Children This Summer

dptstaff
By dptstaff
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Legal community rallies behind North Texas Food Bank to address seasonal hunger

DALLAS, TX – May 22, 2026 — The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) and the North Texas legal community wrapped up another impactful Food from the Bar campaign this spring, generating the equivalent of 640,000 nutritious meals for children and families who face heightened food insecurity during the summer months. As schools close and access to free and reduced-price meals declines, law firms and legal departments across the region stepped forward with donations, food drives, and volunteer hours to help fill the gap. Since its launch in 2019, the campaign has now provided more than 3 million meals.

“This campaign shows what happens when a community uses its collective influence for good,” said Johnny Jenkins, strategic initiatives manager for the North Texas Food Bank. “Every firm that participated helped ensure that kids across North Texas have the nourishment they need during a season when many families feel the strain most acutely. Their leadership is making a tangible difference.”

This year’s effort raised $208,578, collected 3,947 pounds of food, and contributed 212 volunteer hours. The campaign concluded with a recognition event in May honoring standout participants:

  • Partner 4 Hope Award (Top Team Per Capita) – Simon Greenstone Panatier PC
  • Power of Attorney Award (Top Team Overall) – Dallas Trial Lawyers Association
  • New Counsel Award – Walters Balido & Crain Haynes & Boone
  • #RaiseTheBar Award (Most Active Social Media Campaign) – Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel
  • Can-Do Award (Most Food Collected) – Bank of America Legal Department
  • Collective Force Award (Most Volunteers) – Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel
  • Broadest Appeal Award (Most Diverse Involvement) – The Law Offices of Dean Omar Branham & Shirley

“We are deeply grateful for the legal community’s commitment to standing with children and families during the toughest months of the year,” said Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank. “Their generosity helps us respond to a growing need in our region. With Texas again leading the nation in food insecurity and 1.3 million of our North Texas neighbors facing hunger — including one in five children — this support ensures kids can enjoy their summer with the healthy meals they deserve.”

Food from the Bar participants celebrate helping the North Texas Food Bank provide 640,000 summer meals for children and families, bringing the total to more than 3 million meals raised since the campaign began. (First Row) Johnny Jenkins – North Texas Food Bank, Cruz Vasquez – Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Madelyn Dunkle – Dean Omar Branham & Shirley, Estella Segovia – Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Brandy Bloyed – Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC, Trisha Cunningham – North Texas Food Bank, (Second Row), TyLynn Payne – Bell Nunnally & Martin, Christy Hester – Dallas Trial Lawyers Association, Olivia Steadman – Bell Nunnally & Martin, Allison Minter – Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel, Christi Dutton – Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC, Jonathan Childers – Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann, (Third Row), Wendy McKnight – Bank of America Legal Dept., Kathryn Ferguson – Walters, Balido & Crain, John Roper – Dallas Bar Association, Richard Stucky and Al Ellis – Dallas Trial Lawyers Association

Participating firms and organizations included:

Originally launched as Partners 4 Hope, the campaign was rebranded as Food from the Bar in 2024 to reflect its expanded collaboration with legal associations, including the Dallas Bar Association and the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association.

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