Rising Food Prices Threaten Effort to Feed First Responders – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

A North Texas tradition that feeds thousands of first responders every Christmas Day could be threatened this year due to scarcity and rising food prices.

Feed-a-Hero started 8 years ago when Jeff Searles and his children were delivering six meals to a Denton fire station.

“We can’t take these days off when our shift falls on Christmas. You know, we’re working on Christmas. We miss being with our family. We miss opening presents with your children, ”said Denton firefighter Jason Ballard.

As a former first responder, Searles felt that they should only be able to enjoy one meal.

Because of this, each year, with the help of an army of volunteers, Feed-a-Hero has grown to provide more departments with more meals.

This year, 7,200 firefighters, police officers and rescue workers in 487 departments are to be supplied.

“It goes from Rockwall County to Parker County, all the way to the Texas state line, all the way down to Desoto,” Searles said.

It’s a mission that requires three tons of brisket.

And as prices go up, Searles said, each of those 7,000+ records will cost them a few dollars more. Although the group felt their fundraising was complete for the year, they are shy of $ 20,000 on their updated goal.

“It hurts my heart when I have to say no, but the reality is that there are so many resources. So if at some point we don’t have the resources, we have to say no, ”he said.

This is something Feed-a-Hero is proud to never have done. And Searles is confident that with the help of the community, they don’t have to.

“The Feed-a-Hero-Nation always comes together. DFW is great at their support for their first responders and they have never let us down, ”said Searles.

Tomorrow, Feed-a-Hero is hosting its last fundraiser of the year, the Red and Blue Car / Truck / Bike Show. It starts at 10 a.m. at Vandergriff Toyota in Arlington.

To learn more about how to donate or volunteer, visit the Feed-a-Hero website.

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