Celebrating Success and Looking Forward: 2023 Review and 2024 Preview

Celebrating Success and Looking Forward: 2023 Review and 2024 Preview

At Target Hunger, our purpose is clear: to alleviate food insecurity and connect our community members with critical resources. With the unwavering support of volunteers, community partners, and donors we made significant strides in 2023, empowering more individuals and families than ever before. As we reflect on our accomplishments and look ahead to 2024, we’re excited to share our 2023 impact and the exciting developments on the horizon.

2023 in Review: Making a Difference Together

In 2023, contributions from volunteers and donors played a vital role in helping us achieve remarkable results:

7 Million Meals Provided: Through our various food programs and initiatives, we were able to distribute 1.7 million meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

1,582 Navigation Referrals: Beyond providing meals, we connected 1,582 community members with essential resources and support services through our Navigation program.

6,387 Children Fed: Childhood hunger is a devastating, pressing issue. In 2023, we ensured that 6,387 children had access to nutritious food.

3,340 Seniors Assisted: We also focused on supporting seniors in our community, providing assistance to 3,340 individuals through our senior-focused food programs.

21,532 Individuals Served: Overall, we served 21,532 individuals, meaningfully impacting the lives of our neighbors in need.

Expanding Reach Through Year-Round Food Fairs

One significant update to our programming in 2023 was the transition to year-round Food Fairs. We hosted 75 Food Fairs throughout the year, serving 48% more households than in 2022. These events are crucial in providing access to fresh produce and essential groceries to families facing food insecurity. Each Food Fair distributed over 10,000 pounds of fresh produce, making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

Investing in the Future: The Rooting for the Future Campaign

In late 2023, we reached an exciting milestone as Target Hunger purchased the Denver Harbor Campus, establishing a permanent home in the heart of our service area. This acquisition wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our donors. The Rooting for the Future Campaign aims to leverage this new facility to expand our impact even further. By doubling down on our efforts, we can better serve our neighbors and communities, addressing hunger and its root causes effectively.

Looking Ahead to 2024: Building on Success

As we enter 2024, Target Hunger celebrates its 35th anniversary—an incredible milestone that underscores our commitment to eradicating hunger in our community. Together, we’re poised to create even more impactful moments and positive change in the year ahead. You’re your continued support, we can work towards a future where hunger is no longer a reality, one compassionate act at a time.

 

Join Us in Making a Difference

As we embark on this new chapter, we invite you to join us in our mission. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every contribution makes a difference. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community where no one has to go hungry.

You can help us start the year strong and kick off our anniversary celebrations by donating $35 today. Or you can amplify your impact and donate monthly!

Thank you for your continued dedication to Target Hunger and the individuals and families we serve. Together, we can make 2024 a year of hope, progress, and meaningful change.

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Mission Moment: Navigation Services

Mission Moment: Navigation Services

Lucy* loves her new glasses and is so thankful she can see during class!

Alisson is currently taking ESL classes at Community Family Centers (CFC) a referral partner of Target Hunger. After class, Alisson spoke to her teacher and mentioned how she was in need of food for her family. She also specifically mentioned how her young daughter Lucy* was struggling in school and needed glasses as she could not see the board in class. Alisson’s teacher recommended her to Target Hunger and gave her specific contact information for bilingual CHW Navigator, Anna Cantu.

After doing an intake on the family, Target Hunger was able to enroll the family in the monthly Pantry Program and referred Alisson’s young daughter to Prevent Blindness Texas for a free eye exam. Lucy* received a comprehensive eye exam with free glasses and can now see the board at school!

Alisson has also signed up for the United Way Integrated Client Journey (ICJ) where she is getting assistance from the Navigation Team to continue her ESL classes and receive job training. During the intake, it was noted how Alisson was also struggling to make ends meet for her children and did not have funds for school supplies or uniforms. Using the grant funds from the new United Way Financial Assistance Program (UW-FAP), Target Hunger was able to provide Alisson a giftcard to Walmart where she was able to purchase supplies and uniforms for her children.

Alisson and her family have expressed immense gratitude for the assistance received from Target Hunger and for the positive impact in their quality of life. This is a true mission moment on how one inquiry for food can open doors beyond the food box to improve the lives of Houston families!

*name changed for privacy

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Meet Jonathan!

Introducing our latest addition to the Target Hunger team – Jonathan Foreman! We’re thrilled to welcome him as our new Assistant Director of Food Service Operations. Jonathan will take the helm of our exceptional warehouse team, overseeing the day-to-day operations in the warehouse. The dedicated individuals on this team are the linchpin of our services, actively contributing to every Food Fair, packing of boxes, and making deliveries. We’re truly excited to have Jonathan as part of our staff!

We asked Jonathan to answer a few questions so that you can get to know him a little better!

Q: Where do you most want to visit in the world?

A: Alaska for the Northern Lights.

Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?

A: Becoming a father

Q: What is one thing you could not go a day without?

A: Something sweet. I absolutely love sweets.

Q: If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

A: Anthony Bourdain, Malcolm James McCormick, Jack Johnson

Q: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?

A: Working out and sparring

Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: The Prestige

Q: What is on your bucket list?
A: Jumping out of a plane in a flying squirrel suit through mountains

Q: Which famous person in history would you want to spend the day with?

A: Alexander The Great

Q: If you could win an Olympic medal for any sport, real or fake, what would it be?

A: Boxing. The one thing I wish I went after younger.

Let’s extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Jonathan! Target Hunger is excited to have him on the team, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing his leadership as he steers our warehouse team towards making an even greater impact within our community.

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