For more than twenty years, the Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) has been a nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization committed to improving public policies and private practices to better the economic and social conditions of low- and moderate-income Texans. The center pursues this mission through independent research, policy analysis and development, public education, advocacy, and technical assistance. The center's work is divided into workforce and economic development; access to public benefits, including health care, food, and cash assistance; child protection; school finance; state and federal tax and budget analysis; and family economic security. CPPP is also the Texas home to KIDS COUNT, a state-by-state effort to track and promote the well-being of children.

The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a nonprofit hunger relief organization that distributes donated, purchased and prepared foods through a network of 1,146 feeding programs in 13 North Texas counties. The NTFB supports the nutritional needs of children, families and seniors through education, advocacy and strategic partnerships. Close the Gap is the NTFB's 3-year initiative to unite the community to narrow the food gap by providing access to 50 million meals annually by 2011.

Founded in 1982, the NTFB is a member of Feeding America (feedingamerica.org). Last year, the NTFB provided access to 37 million meals through its efforts. Each month agency pantries distribute food to more than 53,000 families and on-site meal programs serve 435,000 meals/snacks. Every dollar donated to the NTFB provides four meals for the hungry.

Since 1982, The Wilkinson Center has provided pathways out of poverty for children and families of East and Southeast Dallas, Texas. Over the last 24 years, the programs and services have grown from providing basic necessities such as food and clothing to innovative programs such as childcare, studio art education, career development and computer education. The Wilkinson Center provides the support and skills necessary for a family to become self-sufficient and advance from minimum wage jobs to higher paying careers while providing a safe and educational haven for their children.