September 22 2020
CAMPUS 5
North Texas Food Bank is a lifeline for students Damon Craig
Special Projects The North Texas Food Bank is back once again, serving students and the community alike, six months into the pandemic. The NTFB is working with Dallas College, deploying food trucks to different campuses where students and community members can receive provisions from 8 to 11 a.m. on designated days. “Dates are scheduled one month at a time,” said Kelly Sonnanstine, program services coordinator with the Office of Student Life and Engagement. “So be sure to check back for updates as we progress through the semester.” While food truck distributions are nothing new to the Richland campus, the process has changed. Regarding such things as protocol, limitations and what you will need in order to participate, here’s what to expect. “The entire process is vehicle driven and service begins at 8 a.m., so the wait time depends on when they arrive,” Sonnanstine said. “Cars will follow a predetermined track/ route and, at some point, they will encounter an NTFB volunteer.” Sonnanstine said recipients will be asked to fill out a form that indicates household income and the number of persons needing food. Having a pen available is encouraged but golf pencils will also be available. “They fill out the form and place it face-up
on the dash of the car,” she said. Further down the line, another volunteer will take pictures of the forms on the dash culminating with a third volunteer who will write a number with lines and dots on the windshield. “This is an indication used for the next step in the process,” she said. “Once you get up to the loading area they will pull the car up as far as they are directed. Then a bunch of volunteers will load up the vehicle with food,” she said. Normally, recipients will receive canned goods and produce and occasionally refrigerated items. “All the food is prepackaged so they don’t get to pick and choose like we used to do on campus,” she said. Sonnanstine also said that recipients should have a mask with them in case they need to talk to someone. She said the amount in the distribution is determined “based on how many people are in the household,” but assures that it should “be enough for at least one week.” In terms of turn out, Carol Castillo, program services coordinator with Connections, said, “The NTFB food truck is open to all students as well as community members so turn out is usually pretty high.” Castillo said the last food truck at Richland was on Aug. 17 and noted that 367 households were served. Volunteers are always needed to help
Photo courtesy Meg Fullwod
Isra Qureshi, left, and Ferdinando Castro Gonzalez, front, and other Richland students help load cars during the NTFB food distribution event Aug. 27.
distribute the food. Requirements are as follows: •You must wear closed-toe shoes that are comfortable for walking. •We will also be in the direct sun so make sure to wear sunscreen or bring a hat. •You need to bring your own water or refreshment if you think you will need them. •You must wear a mask. •Dress for the weather. For more information on how to become a volunteer, visit http://dcccd.ntfb.volunteerhub. com/
Food pantry times and dates •Thursday, Sept. 17th @ Cedar Valley •Tuesday, Sept. 22nd @ Mountain View •Thursday, Sept. 24th @ Richland- Main Campus •Thursday, Oct.. 1st @ Brookhaven •Thursday, Oct. 8th @ Richland- Garland Campus •Tuesday, Oct. 15th @ El Centro- West Campus
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