A Special Post-Thanksgiving Community Gathering
Date: Friday, November 28th, 2024
Location: Bay 34th Street3400 Bay Street, Fort Worth, TX
Time: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
As food insecurity reaches concerning levels in our community, Ruth's Retreat House and Bay 34th Street are uniting to provide warmth, dignity, and nourishment to our neighbors experiencing hardship. Recent data shows that over 13.5% of American households faced food insecurity in 2023 - that's 47.4 million people, including 7.2 million children, who weren't sure where their next meal would come from.
The Reality in DFW:
- •1 in 6 people in Tarrant County faces hunger daily
- •Over 300,000 children in North Texas are food insecure
- •Tarrant Area Food Bank serves over 1 million meals weekly
- •Food need increases by 50% during holiday months
- •64% of Fort Worth families struggle to afford both food and housing
Here in Fort Worth, the holiday season magnifies the challenges many families face. The Tarrant Area Food Bank reports a dramatic increase in first-time assistance requests, with many working families turning to food pantries for the first time in their lives. Rising housing costs in DFW, which increased by 20% last year alone, have forced more families to choose between keeping a roof over their heads or food on their table.
Your support provides essential assistance to:
- ✦Families experiencing temporary homelessness
- ✦Working parents struggling to make ends meet
- ✦Children who might otherwise go without a holiday meal
- ✦Seniors choosing between medicine and meals
"Every day at Ruth's Retreat House, we see the growing need in our community. Behind every statistic is a family, a child, a neighbor in crisis. This holiday season, we're not just serving meals - we're providing a lifeline of hope and showing our neighbors that their community stands with them during difficult times."
- Monique Springer, CEO of Ruth's Retreat House
1 in 4
DFW children face hunger
500,000+
Tarrant County residents are food insecure
50%
Increase in food needs during holidays
More Than Just A Meal:
- • Hot, nutritious meals served with dignity and respect
- • Information about housing assistance and support services
- • Connection to emergency shelter resources
- • Take-home food packages for families
- • Access to social workers and support staff
Why This Matters
In Fort Worth, hundreds of our neighbors face food insecurity daily. The holiday season can amplify feelings of isolation and hardship. But together, we can change that narrative.
"At Ruth's Retreat House, we believe every shared meal creates a moment of dignity, every conversation sparks hope, and every act of kindness builds a stronger community. Join us in making this vision a reality."
Be Part of Something Bigger
Your generosity doesn't just provide meals – it creates moments of joy, builds community bonds, and shows our neighbors they matter. Choose how you'd like to make a difference:
Meal Angel
$25
- • Sponsors 2 complete meals
- • Recognition on our website
- • Thank you email with impact story
Family Table Sponsor
$100
- • Sponsors 8 complete meals
- • Named recognition at event
- • Commemorative thank you card
- • Social media shoutout
- • Impact report with photos
Community Champion
$250
- • Sponsors 20 complete meals
- • Premium event signage
- • Featured sponsor story
- • Invitation to future events
- • Personalized impact report
- • Tax deduction letter
Custom Donation
Want to contribute a different amount? Every donation helps!
• Each meal costs approximately $12.50 to prepare and serve
Become a Monthly Supporter
Support our ongoing community meals program with a monthly commitment
Together, We Make a Difference
Your donation helps us serve 75-100 meals to neighbors in need this holiday season.
Every contribution, large or small, helps create moments of dignity and connection.
Ruth's Retreat House is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
Share More Than Just Time
Your presence makes a difference. Join our volunteer family and help create an atmosphere of warmth, dignity, and genuine connection. Every smile, every conversation, every moment matters.
Support This Event
Join us in making this event special:
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Food preparation (10:00 AM start)
- Meal service (11:30 AM - 2:00 PM)
- Setup and cleanup crews
- Welcome team
Needed Donations:
- Disposable serving items
- To-go containers
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food items
For questions or more information:
Email: info@ruthsretreathouse.org
Phone: 682-999-6751