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During December’s month-long holiday campaign, eight Whole Foods Market stores in North Texas raised $192,720 for area food banks.

Whole Foods Market customers at eight locations in North Texas were asked to purchase ornaments of all denominations at the checkout station, which were placed on the displayed tree in each participating store. Out of the eight North Texas stores, six Dallas-area stores benefited the North Texas Food Bank’s “Food 4 Kids” program.

Whole Foods Market raised $158,285 for the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), which will provide 474,855 meals for North Texans.

Additionally, the Fairview store raised $18,527 for NTFB agency Allen Community Outreach’s food pantry; and the Arlington store raised $15,908 for the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

“The holiday season can be tough for us from a fundraising perspective, and we are thankful to Whole Foods Market for their continuous efforts,” said Jan Pruitt, president and CEO of the NTFB. “We are grateful for our partnership with Whole Foods. Their passion for fighting hunger through the Giving Tree campaign and employee volunteerism is invaluable to our organization.”

In 2006, Austin, Texas-based natural and organic food retailer created the Giving Tree campaign in partnership with NTFB. Since its inception, the holiday campaign has resulted in $438,335 for the Food Bank and 1,315,005 meals to NTFB agencies and clients

"Even in a shaky economy, this year’s contribution to the NTFB increased by 36 percent over last year,” said Karen Lukin, Whole Foods Market Community Relations. "Knowing their money went to provide healthier food options really resonated with our store guests.”

NTFBis a nonprofit relief organization which distributes donated, purchased, and prepared foods through a network of feeding programs in 13 North Texas counties. NTFB, which is a member of Feeding America, supports the nutritional needs of children, families and seniors through research, education, advocacy and strategic partnerships. In FY 2012, NTFB provided access to more than 47 million nutritious meals.