MetroCrest reports rising need: 24,000 residents served last year; food-bank funding cuts a top near-term risk

MetroCrest Services told Farmers Branch council on July 15 that demand for basic needs and support services continues to rise, with 24,000 individuals served in the nonprofit’s service territory last year and a projected increase to roughly 29,000 over the next 12 months. CEO Tracy Eubanks said MetroCrest’s new Josie and Beltline facility expands on-site services — food distribution, case management, health navigation, job training, and senior supports — and that the organization is focusing on long-term self-sufficiency. MetroCrest reported 4,488 Farmers Branch residents were served in the past fiscal year and projects serving about 4,914 in the current fiscal year, a roughly 9 percent increase. Eubanks identified an urgent risk: the North Texas Food Bank, which supplies over 90 percent of MetroCrest’s food, has lost a significant amount of USDA funding. MetroCrest estimates the pantry system could lose about 20 percent of food sourced through the Food Bank in the next year, particularly produce, animal protein and dairy. The agency is developing contingency plans to backfill supplies and warned about potential human-services layoffs and service curtailments across the region if federal funding cuts persist. Why it matters: MetroCrest provides a range of basic needs and workforce-services for residents in Farmers Branch and adjoining cities; its projected caseload growth and potential food supply shortfalls have direct implications for residents who rely on pantry and senior services. Councilmembers praised MetroCrest’s hub model and asked about partnerships and volunteer needs; Eubanks encouraged council members to tour the new facility.