North Texas Food Bank Honors Outstanding Partners at 19th Annual Golden Fork Awards

Recognizing the community champions whose service and support are helping ensure every neighbor has access to nutritious food.

Dallas, TX, Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) celebrated the individuals, companies, and community partners who power its mission to fight hunger at the 19th Annual Golden Fork Awards, presented by 4Change Energy. Held on August 24, the event recognized exceptional leadership, generosity, and service that continue to strengthen hunger relief efforts across the region.

2026 Golden Fork Award Honorees

Retail Partner of the Year - Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club was honored as the Retail Partner of the Year for its daily commitment to rescuing fresh, nutritious food for neighbors facing hunger. In the last fiscal year alone, Sam’s Club provided 5.4 million meals through NTFB’s retail program, with 80% consisting of produce, protein, dairy and prepared meals. Their partnership plays a critical role in ensuring agency partners have access to a wide variety of nourishing foods, strengthening NTFB’s ability to serve the community.

In-Kind Donor of the Year - Om Produce

Om Produce was named In‑Kind Donor of the Year for its generous financial and food contributions since 2022, including nearly 654,000 meals provided in the last fiscal year. Specializing in South Asian and Indian produce and groceries, Om Produce has helped NTFB expand access to culturally familiar foods, deepening the organization’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of neighbors facing hunger.

Hunger Ambassador of the Year - Red Oak ISD

Red Oak ISD and Angela Fitzgerald were recognized as Hunger Ambassador of the Year for their steadfast leadership in NTFB’s School Pantry Program. Since partnering in 2020, the district has continued to meet rising community needs, serving more than 500 families monthly and distributing over 185,000 meals last school year. Their team also provides snacks on campuses to ensure students never sit in class worried about food, making Red Oak ISD a trusted community resource.

Digital Partner of the Year - KDFW FOX 4

KDFW Fox 4 received the Digital Partner of the Year award for its compassionate storytelling that elevates awareness of hunger in North Texas. The station has highlighted NTFB’s signature events, programs serving children and seniors, and innovative donor efforts, including a student‑run hot chocolate fundraiser. Their coverage of Map the Meal Gap data, NTFB’s government shutdown response and other critical issues has helped viewers understand the crisis of hunger and how they can make a difference.

Foundation of the Year - Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation

The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation was honored as Foundation of the Year for two decades of steadfast partnership and more than $900,000 in support. Their giving, including increased contributions during the pandemic, has enabled NTFB to respond quickly to urgent community needs. Early support for the Hunger Center of North Texas helped establish NTFB’s Hub model, which remains central to today’s distribution efforts.

Corporation of the Year - Energy Transfer

Energy Transfer was named Corporation of the Year in recognition of 15 years of partnership and nearly 4 million meals provided through donations. Their annual giving has grown to $200,000 and includes sponsoring three trucks. In 2025, they contributed an additional $50,000 to support neighbors affected by the government shutdown. Employees also volunteer regularly in NTFB’s warehouse, demonstrating a deep commitment to the fight against hunger.

Special Recognition - NiHao Ambassadors

The NiHao Ambassadors received Special Recognition for their extraordinary, student‑driven impact across multiple areas of support. As part of the NiHao Food Bank Initiative, these high school volunteers organized a restaurant card fundraiser that raised $40,000, double the previous year, and played a major role in NTFB’s Peanut Butter Drive by establishing 40 donation sites that collected 12,245 pounds. Their Civic Engagement Team also traveled to Austin to advocate for hunger‑relief priorities with legislators.

Tom Black Volunteer of the Year - Karl Wallinger

Karl Wallinger with Texas Instruments was honored as the Tom Black Volunteer of the Year for his exceptional dedication, volunteering nearly every Saturday, and even using flex time and paid time off to serve at NTFB. Since beginning in 2022, Karl has contributed nearly 1,660 hours, stepped up as a Volunteer Kernel to lead others, and supported events like Empty Bowls. Known for embodying “see a need, fill a need,” he consistently ensures volunteers feel valued and understand their impact.

Lifetime Achievement Award - Claire Babineaux-Fontenot

Claire Babineaux‑Fontenot received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her transformative leadership at Feeding America, where she more than doubled food distribution, mobilized new resources and guided the network through the pandemic—providing 6 billion meals. She championed neighbor‑centered research and helped unify a previously fragmented national network, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to strengthen hunger‑relief efforts in North Texas and across the country.

Jan Pruitt Legacy Award - Kyle Taylor, CEO of Irving Cares

Kyle Taylor, CEO of Irving Cares, was honored with the Jan Pruitt Legacy Award for exemplifying unwavering commitment to neighbors in need. Beginning as a volunteer more than 15 years ago, Kyle has led transformational growth at Irving Cares, whose pantry provided over 584,000 meals last fiscal year and manages monthly senior food box distributions. Under his leadership, the organization offers holistic services, from rent assistance to employment coaching, and Kyle remains a strong advocacy partner through NTFB councils.

“Hunger is a challenge no one can solve alone, and today’s honorees reflect the very best of North Texas,” said Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of North Texas Food Bank. “Their compassion, partnership, and determination are helping build a community where nutritious food is within reach for every neighbor.”

NTFB also thanked 4Change Energy for sponsoring the Golden Fork Awards and for its continued commitment to hunger relief.

 

About North Texas Food Bank

North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a leading nonprofit organization that fights hunger and provides children, seniors and families in North Texas access to nutritious food. For over 40 years, we have been at the forefront of hunger relief, committed to ensuring that no one in our community lacks access to healthy food. Our extensive network of 500 food pantries and organizations, volunteers, and donors enables us to deliver more than 141 million meals last year to those in need. Beyond just addressing hunger, we focus on nourishing lives by offering nutrition education, investing in our network partners, innovating solutions to eliminate hunger and advocating for policies that tackle the root causes of food insecurity.

Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, highlighting our strong governance, integrity, and financial stability. As a proud member of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger relief network, we are committed to ensuring everyone in North Texas has the nourishment needed to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. For more information, visit http://www.ntfb.org/ or connect with us on social media @NorthTexasFoodBank.

 

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• 2026 Golden Fork Winners

Jeff Smith
North Texas Food Bank 
469-891-7022
Jeff.Smith@ntfb.org