How Federal Cuts are Impacting Local Food Banks, and what Donors Can Do With Julie Butner
As federal funding cuts shift more responsibility for food insecurity to local communities, Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette sit down with Julie Butner, President and CEO of the Tarrant Area Food Bank, one of the largest food banks in the United States serving 13 counties around Fort Worth, Texas.
Julie reveals that food bank clients are often working families who simply can’t afford basic necessities and explains how modern food banks have evolved far beyond emergency food distribution to address root causes through healthcare partnerships, nutrition education, and community gardens. This eye-opening conversation challenges common misconceptions about who needs food assistance and addresses debates about the roles of government and private philanthropy.. Julie also offers practical guidance on how donors can make the greatest impact, whether through volunteering, financial support, or advocacy.
Guest Info:
Julie Butner serves as President and CEO of the Tarrant Area Food Bank, serving thirteen counties in North Texas, one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States. The Tarrant Area Food Bank works with over 500 community partners to distribute more than one million meals each week to a half million residents facing food insecurity. Julie’s leadership began three short months before the onset of a global pandemic. Julie led the food bank through unprecedented times, providing record amounts of food for the community. Tarrant Area Food Bank saw an 80% increase in the need for food and doubled the amount of food procured and processed in its distribution center, an historic record of food distribution and one that continues today to meet population growth.
Julie has led the food bank to develop innovative strategies to fulfill the food bank’s mission to alleviate hunger and improve health. As a result of her leadership, the food bank has increased and diversified its donor base, while making historic investments in building the capacity of the food bank to meet the growing need. Notably, Julie has led the food bank in establishing healthcare partnerships and initiatives, expanding the food bank’s community resource capacity, and opening four new facilities including the Sid W. Richardson Agricultural Hub, a regional produce hub; the Ready to Learn Resource Center, a child-centric community resource hub for neighbors, children, and families; and two satellite branches – Tarrant Area Food Bank West in Parker County and TAFB North in Denton County.
Prior to joining the Tarrant Area Food Bank in January 2020, Julie held executive leadership roles in the healthcare and hospitality industries, specifically focused on food and nutrition, in operations and business development. Julie also served as a Captain in the United States Army during Operation Desert Storm.
Julie graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Coordinated Dietetics and holds a Master of Science in Food Systems Management with an emphasis in Health Promotion from the University of Oklahoma. Julie is a Registered, Licensed Dietitian.
Julie serves the Fort Worth community through leadership roles in many organizations including: Feeding America Board of Directors, Feeding Texas Board of Directors, Texas Christian University Chancellor’s Advisory Committee and the Nutritional Sciences Advisory Board, Fort Worth Colonial Charities Board of Directors, Rotary, Colonial Country Club Board of Governors, Charles Schwab Challenge Executive Women’s Day, Delta Gamma Fraternity, Fort Worth Sister Cities, and The Cowtown Marathon.
In her spare time, Julie enjoys running, yoga, golf, and travels with her husband of thirty years, Greg, and their two Labrador retrievers.
Credits:
Podcast Production: Rococo Punch
Artwork: Jay Kustka
Resources:
Tarrant Area Food Bank
United for ALICE data
Feeding America food bank locator