With a rally cry of “Hunger Mitao” (Mitao = Wipe-out) and an ambitious campaign titled “Million Meal March,” the Indian American Council (IAC) for North Texas Food Bank was launched on September 29, 2017.  In just seven short months, the IAC surpassed its first-year goal of funding one million meals for the hungry neighbors across North Texas.

The success of the IAC reflects the giving spirit of local sponsors, businesses, and individuals from the Indian American community who call North Texas their home.  The leadership of the council, largely made up of immigrant members, pledges to continue the fight against hunger and plans to measure and celebrate successes in million meal increments.

“We have ambitious goals for the Indian American Council, and with the first million-meal milestone behind us, we know there is much more to be done to feed hungry children, seniors, and families in North Texas.” said Raj Asava co-founder of the Indian American Council. “Our Million Meal March doesn’t end here; this is just the beginning of many million meals that will be enabled by the Indian American Community.”

The IAC was formed to raise awareness, improve engagement, as well as channel resources and contributions of the Indian American community towards NTFB’s mission. The committed and diverse steering committee is the driving force behind the council. By providing access to one million nutritious meals, the IAC is directly contributing to the Food Bank’s vision of a hunger-free, healthy North Texas.

“To build on this momentum, we are launching a ‘Hunger Mitao Week’ (August 11-19), the week of India’s Independence Day,” said Anna Asava, co-founder of IAC. “Leading up to this week we will raise awareness, food and funds, while encouraging hands-on volunteering. Going forward, it is our vision that India’s Independence Day, August 15, is also celebrated as ‘Independence from Hunger Day!’”

The Indian American community in North Texas has grown exponentially over the years with nearly 200,000 people in the region. In the spirit of “give where you live” the vision of the IAC is for the community to unify and be recognized as a leader in the fight against hunger. The IAC also looks to create a national model for other food banks and communities to replicate and enable millions of meals for our hungry neighbors across America.

“North Texas Food Bank is appreciative of the Indian American Council’s commitment to fighting hunger and supporting families in need in our community,” said Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank. “Together, we are one step closer to reaching our goal of providing 92 million meals by 2025.”

Later this year, the North Texas Food Bank’s Perot Family Campus is set to open in Plano allowing a broader support base to meet the growing need for food assistance in the North Texas region. The IAC looks forward to increasing community service engagement at the 220,000 square-foot distribution center with regular volunteer shifts.

For more information about the North Texas Food Bank’s Indian American Council, visit: ntfb.org/IAC.