Annam Manthiram has been named the new Chief External Affairs Officer at the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB). Her role will focus on shaping the food bank’s outreach, including philanthropy and public policy. Manthiram comes with rich experience in nonprofit work, particularly in addressing issues faced by the homeless and food-insecure communities.

Trisha Cunningham, the President and CEO of NTFB, expressed excitement about Manthiram’s appointment, highlighting her skills in strategic planning and fundraising. These skills are essential as the food bank seeks to strengthen its collaborations to combat hunger in the region. Over the years, NTFB’s mission has expanded, providing over 100 million nutritious meals annually through a network of 500 partner organizations and volunteers.
Before joining NTFB, Manthiram led CitySquare, another nonprofit focused on poverty in Dallas. During her tenure, she navigated funding challenges to ensure service continuity. Additionally, while running HopeWorks in Albuquerque, she pioneered New Mexico’s first single-site housing project for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her statement, Manthiram emphasized her commitment to NTFB’s mission. She believes that access to food is a fundamental human right and looked forward to collaborating with the team and community partners to develop sustainable solutions.
Erica Yaeger, who stepped down after seven years, will assist in the transition by supporting the completion of the Nourish North Texas strategic plan. With the growing demand for food assistance and diminishing federal support, Manthiram’s leadership is seen as crucial for NTFB’s future direction.
The current statistics on food insecurity are troubling. According to a report from Feeding America, an estimated 34 million people, including 9 million children, face hunger in the U.S. This crisis has exacerbated, especially following the economic impacts of the pandemic. Social media discussions reflect that many users are increasingly supportive of local organizations like NTFB, emphasizing community involvement and the importance of addressing hunger collectively.
The North Texas Food Bank has successfully adapted over the past 40 years, but challenges remain. Annam Manthiram’s arrival represents hope and fresh direction in tackling food insecurity in North Texas. As the food bank continues to innovate and expand its services, it remains committed to ensuring no one goes hungry.
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