North Texas Food Bank's Annual Fundraiser Highlights Texas Hunger Crisis

Event summary

  • The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) will host its 26th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on February 26, 2026.
  • The event, presented by Kroger, has previously generated nearly 9 million meals for North Texans.
  • Tickets are $100 each, with proceeds supporting NTFB’s hunger relief programs and providing 300 meals per ticket.
  • Chef Nikky Phinyawatana, founder of Asian Mint, will be the celebrity chef for this year’s event.

The big picture

The Empty Bowls fundraiser underscores the persistent and growing problem of food insecurity in Texas, which ranks first nationally in the number of people facing hunger. The event’s reliance on corporate sponsorships like Kroger highlights the increasing role of private sector partnerships in addressing social issues, particularly as government support fluctuates. NTFB's scale – delivering over 100 million meals annually – demonstrates the significant logistical and financial resources required to combat widespread hunger.

What we're watching

Funding Stability
Whether Kroger’s continued sponsorship, and the ability to attract new sponsors, can sustain the event’s fundraising goals given broader economic uncertainty.
Demand Pressure
How the rising number of food-insecure individuals in Texas (nearly 744,000) will impact NTFB’s operational capacity and resource allocation.
Brand Alignment
The extent to which Kroger’s ‘Zero Hunger Zero Waste’ initiative genuinely aligns with NTFB’s broader mission and avoids superficial public relations.