The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is singularly focused on one mission: to close the hunger gap by providing access to nutritious meals for those experiencing food insecurity. NTFB routinely accomplishes the impossible at its headquarters and distribution center at the Perot Family Campus in Plano when you consider the sobering statistics. 1 in 6 North Texans go hungry regularly. Enter the angels at the food bank who have provided 118M physical meals for children, seniors and families in FY2024 alone through donations and volunteers where every dollar equals three healthy meals.
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In July 2025, the food bank moved into the Moody Family Campus, a satellite location in downtown Dallas, across from the open-air shed at the Dallas Farmers’ Market. This new location houses the philanthropy, marketing, and social services team as well as their call center. Erica Yaeger, their former Chief External Affairs, was part of the project team that chose Geri Hieronymus, Vice President of Sales from Turnkey to design and manage interiors for the new workspace.
Erica had worked with Geri on the interiors at the Perot headquarters. “Geri brings expertise that we don’t possess. What I love about her is she jumped right in and identified what we needed in our workspace to help us create an environment that reflected our core values,” said Erica. “She helped us think about how we work and delivered a plan that enhanced communication, brainstorming and joint problem solving.” Erica emphasizes the limited resources and budget the North Texas Food Bank can allot for building finish-out. “Turnkey helped us value engineer the total package without compromising performance or function.”
Geri refers to the North Texas Food Bank as her “passion project.” Because the downtown location would host donors in addition to those in need, it required an elevated aesthetic. The other consideration was those working for the food bank. “Attraction and retention of workers in nonprofit organizations is as big an issue as it is for any business. It is a challenge to find good fundraisers and social services workers. These are often individuals with advanced degrees and a passion for philanthropy. They deserve an inspiring environment that serves their wellbeing while they serve others.”
Erica’s criteria included balanced privacy and collaborative areas, natural lighting, ergonomic seating, soundproofing, and finishes that aligned with their brand. Because the budget was so tight, Geri explained that many professionals involved with the project volunteered extra time or amended their fees. In fact, at Erica’s request, Geri became the ad hoc client rep, coordinating the efforts of the construction, design and installation teams. “The GC thought I worked for the Food Bank.”
The Food Bank team is thrilled with the new space. “Everyone is so pleased with the offices, break room, ‘quiet room’ for nursing mothers, and the beautifully designed lobby welcoming our donors and those we serve.” Erica is particularly proud of the new call center for the social services team. “Designing a spot specifically for that department was a first for us. We believe space impacts workers effectiveness,” said Erica. “When the mission is combating hunger, it is crucial that our workspace accommodates those on the front line of that mission.”
As a young girl, Geri experienced food insecurity herself. She credits Erica with influencing her trajectory as a volunteer. “The relationship with hunger is personal for me. For several years, I have been an active volunteer with the North Texas Food Bank. I made a promise to myself that if I ever had the opportunity to strengthen community outreach and give back from a position of leadership, I would. As Vice President of Turnkey, now I can. Our company is actively participating in an upcoming fourth quarter event partnering with the Food Bank and I couldn’t be happier to be a catalyst for something so meaningful.”