DALLAS, TEXAS: January 14, 2015– The MMK Foundation, a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) established by Mark and Marcia King to effect positive, sustainable change in the lives of children, citizens, and communities globally, today announced a gift of $25,000 to the North Texas Food Bank to help efforts to curb hunger in the area.  This is the second annual installment of a $75,000 gift made to the North Texas Food Bank by the MMK Foundation.  The North Texas Food Bank works to stop hunger and feed hope across North Texas by supporting the nutritional needs of children, families, and seniors through education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships

Nearly 500,000 North Texans are considered 'food insecure.'  And, the number of food insecure adults aged 50 and older has dramatically increased in recent years.

The North Texas Food Bank is a top-ranked non-profit relief organization, and the largest North Texas charity.  JanPruitt,President and CEO of theNorth Texas Food Bank (NFTB),said:  “The need for hungry children, families, and seniors has never been more prevalent than it is today.  Despite the fact that North Texas is experiencing robust economic growth, increasing numbers of our neighbors are not getting enough to eat.”

Nearly 500,000 North Texans are considered 'food insecure.'  And, the number of food insecure adults aged 50 and older has dramatically increased in recent years.  This gift, by the MMK Foundation to the NTFB, was specifically targeted to support senior food programs. 

Seven million U.S. households suffer from very low food security which means that one or more household members are eating less than they should and/or are missing meals.  There was a 40 percent increase in food insecurity among seniors from 2007 to 2009.  One in eight people served by the NTFB is over the age of 65 and many have to choose between food and medicine.  Food bank officials say seniors are often too embarrassed to ask for help, even though hunger in the second half of life is a growing problem.

Marcia King, Co-Founder of the MMK Foundation, said: “As the cost of living increases, the seniors in our area need to be supported.  Many North Texas seniors live on a fixed income and do not have enough money to cover medical bills, utilities, and groceries.  Food is often the first item where seniors cut spending.  Our gift and support of the NTFB senior programs is one way we are happy to help our community.”

One dollar feeds three North Texas seniors.  And of every dollar donated to the NTFB, 93 cents goes directly to hunger relief programs.  With hunger and homelessness on the rise, every donation counts. 

Each day, the North Texas Food Bank provides access to 170,000 meals for hungry children, seniors, and families through a network of more than 1,000 programs and262 Partner Agencies.  In fiscal year 2014, the NTFB provided access to more than62 million meals.  The NTFB is a member of Feeding America, a national hunger relief organization.