Investigation into Dallas Nonprofit
A nonprofit in Dallas is facing scrutiny after a local news investigation revealed that it allegedly accepted payments while failing to deliver the promised meals to students.
The board of Hunger Busters has called for the resignation of CEO Lataam Phillips. Interestingly, many local schools reportedly hadn’t heard of the organization.
Hunger Busters has been active in West Dallas for 25 years, claiming its mission is to provide meals to students who struggle with food insecurity in the Dallas Independent School District. The organization boasts several well-known individuals on its board and has organized numerous charity events to support various causes. However, concerns arose in 2023 when Phillips, who started as a delivery driver, took over as CEO. At that time, he claimed they were providing meals to around 3,500 students daily.
Looking back, Phillips said, “When I think of the children we serve, I see myself in them.” In 2024, he sought funding from the Tyler Street Foundation to acquire a van for the organization, leading the foundation to grant $116,200 for both the van and emergency funds for the nonprofit’s property.
However, suspicions grew when the foundation’s director, Vivian Skinner, noticed the new van only displayed a magnetic sign stating support from the Tyler Street Foundation. Following an investigation, it turned out the van was a rental and false documents were submitted. Subsequently, it was found that Hunger Busters did not actually purchase the property as claimed.
The Tyler Street Foundation has filed a lawsuit against Hunger Busters amid allegations of little activity associated with its mission. The investigation showed that it had not provided food to any of the partnered schools for over a year, with some schools stating they hadn’t received any meals in that time.
Phillips has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the organization shifted its focus to assist “churches, community-based organizations, and affiliated nonprofits,” although he didn’t specify which ones.
In response to the unfolding scandal, the board announced a unanimous decision to initiate an independent forensic accounting investigation and plans to reorganize for better financial oversight and operational controls. Meanwhile, the organization’s website has been taken down, along with its social media accounts.
