The spirit of Thanksgiving shone brightly in Arlington, Texas, as the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and Tarrant Area Food Bank joined forces for their fourth annual Thanksgiving Mega Mobile Market. Held at the iconic AT&T Stadium, the event provided a crucial lifeline to 5,000 families, distributing Thanksgiving meals and essential pantry items. This massive undertaking, fueled by community partnerships, highlights the critical role of the Tarrant Area Food Bank in addressing food insecurity in North Texas.
The crisp fall air set the scene for a remarkable display of generosity and community spirit. Volunteers and partners worked tirelessly to distribute an astounding 350,000 pounds of food, translating to 292,000 meals. Each family received a box brimming with nutritious food, including a turkey or chicken, along with holiday meal staples such as green beans, stuffing, fresh produce, and other non-perishable items. This ensured that families facing hardship could enjoy a полноценный Thanksgiving meal.
Julie Butner, President & CEO of Tarrant Area Food Bank, expressed deep gratitude and emphasized the shared human experience that drives the organization’s mission. “We appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community,” Butner stated. “We’ve all struggled in one way or another. Things happen in life and we can relate to that. We know we are doing something, giving back and giving to someone who is struggling right now. I know this means a lot to everyone who is out here today.” Her words underscore the profound impact of Tarrant Area Food Bank‘s work and the empathy that fuels their dedication to the community.
Adding to the impactful day, the Cotton Bowl Foundation and American Airlines, a longstanding partner of the Classic, each contributed $10,000 to Tarrant Area Food Bank. This generous $20,000 donation is specifically designated to bolster TAFB’s ongoing mission to combat hunger and enhance health across its vast 13-county service area. Rick Baker, President/CEO of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, lauded the Tarrant Area Food Bank‘s year-round efforts, stating, “The Tarrant Area Food Bank does such a great job today for this Thanksgiving food giveaway, but also with the great work they do all year long. We are very proud to partner with them on their mission and their efforts to help families that are in need.” This partnership exemplifies the collaborative spirit essential to addressing food insecurity effectively.
The success of the Mega Mobile Market was a testament to the power of community collaboration. The Cotton Bowl Classic and Tarrant Area Food Bank spearheaded a team of dedicated partners. AT&T Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys provided the venue, while American Airlines mobilized 300 staff volunteers to manage distribution lines. The Arlington Police and Fire Departments played a crucial role in event logistics, ensuring smooth operations throughout the four-hour event. Further support came from MW Cares Foundation and MW Logistics, Albertsons/Tom Thumb, and The Big Good – the charity founded by Coach Gary Patterson and Leon Bridges – who collectively secured the protein and food portions. Whataburger generously donated burgers and chicken sandwiches for the 400+ volunteers, and TicketEStore provided chips and beverages. WLTY Radio added to the positive atmosphere with uplifting music throughout the morning.
Griffin Gonzalez, Head of Sponsorships, Activations & Global Charitable Initiatives at American Airlines, highlighted the reflective nature of the event, “You come to an event like this and it really gives you the opportunity to reflect and it gives you perspective on all the things we are thankful for and grateful for,” Gonzalez said. “Some people don’t have the opportunity to sit down at Thanksgiving and have a meal. So, the fact that American Airlines, the Cotton Bowl Classic and Tarrant Area Food Bank are able to come all together to collaborate and give back, it really is something special.” This sentiment captures the essence of the Mega Mobile Market and the collective commitment to ensuring everyone has access to a Thanksgiving meal.
This event marked the fourth consecutive year for the Thanksgiving Mega Mobile Market collaboration between Tarrant Area Food Bank and the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, and the fifth mass distribution event they have jointly led at AT&T Stadium. These five Mega Mobile Markets, held since November 2020, have collectively provided food to over 23,300 families, demonstrating the sustained and growing impact of this partnership in combating hunger.
Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB), established in 1982 by concerned Fort Worth residents, has become a cornerstone of hunger relief in North Texas. As the primary source of donated food for numerous charities and feeding programs across Tarrant and 12 surrounding counties, TAFB remains dedicated to ensuring communities have consistent access to nutritious food. Their ongoing work is vital in the fight against food insecurity, and events like the Thanksgiving Mega Mobile Market showcase the power of community action in making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
For more information about how to support their mission or access food assistance, please visit the Tarrant Area Food Bank website at https://tafb.org/.
