Whether you’re experiencing food poverty, or want to support the cause of feeding those who are unable to afford enough food, there are food banks that provide support and need support to continue their activities. Below we’ve featured 10 top food banks in Dallas, Texas.
1. Pleasant Grove Food Pantry
If you are experiencing hunger, you can go to the Pleasant Grove Food Pantry in Dallas. Founded by volunteers in 2010, this food bank converted to a shopping-style pantry the following year. Shopping is based on a points system, with each family being given points based on size. These points determine the amount of food that can be selected. Produce is provided separately and does not require points. Additional financial aid is available.
Your donations go to purchase food items not donated and food bank operations. Volunteers are always needed if you have the time. Contact the pantry to learn more.
2. Crossroads Community Services
When members of the First United Methodist Church in Dallas began handing out sandwiches in 1983, they laid the groundwork for Crossroads Community Services (CCF). Joined by other churches and local charities, CCS serves as a hub for the North Texas Food Bank, doling out enough food for families to provide three weeks’ worth of groceries designed to meet the nutritional needs of each family member. Quantities are increased for out-of-school months.
Even the smallest donation or a few hours of volunteer time helps fulfill the mission of this pantry. Want to know more? Get in touch with a member of staff.
3. Inspired Vision Compassion Center
Karen Belknap founded Inspired Vision Compassion Center (IVCC) in 2014 after a child passed out in front of her and it was discovered the girl hadn’t eaten for nearly a week. Karen made it her mission to prevent such hunger wherever possible in her community. IVCC now holds weekly distributions in their center’s parking lot to all families in need, providing perishable and non-perishable food items to thousands of families each month.
You can join Karen in her mission to feed the poor by donating or volunteering. Get in contact with the center if you require additional information.
4. Hunger Busters
Hunger Busters is a program developed by local volunteers in the Dallas area to provide for school children who are experiencing food insecurity in their homes. They operate as a food kitchen that prepares complete meals five days a week and distributes them to school children at the end of their school day. This food program aims to ensure students have adequate food for their evening meals to supplement the breakfast and lunch provided at school.
You can donate or volunteer to assist with the mission of this program. Contact info can be located online if you wish to speak with someone.
5. LEFCO Food Pantry
The Ledbetter Eagle Ford Community Organization (LEFCO) was founded by Henry Martinez, Jr., a member of the neighborhood who wanted to combat food poverty. Once a month, his organization opens to the public to provide non-perishable food items to those in his area who request them. In a separate distribution, LEFCO operates a mobile farmers’ market that gathers in different parking lots to hand out fresh produce to the public.
If you are interested in volunteering or providing a donation to this charity, you can do so online. Contact someone at the pantry with any additional questions.
6. Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry
St. Philip’s School and Community Center in Dallas has supported the underprivileged members of society for over 75 years. They operate Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry, open two days per week to provide groceries to those within their residential area who have made an appointment with groceries. Those living outside the area defined by the pantry or those who do not have an appointment can visit the food bank for one-time emergency food items.
Those who want to donate to this worthwhile charity can do so online. You can also volunteer or reach out to the staff with any questions you may have about their outreach.
7. Vickery Meadow Food Pantry
Vickery Meadow Food Pantry in Dallas was established by volunteers as an outreach with a mission to feed those in their community who are experiencing food poverty. They open their pantry doors once per week to distribute non-perishable food items and fresh produce when available. Additional services are available to those able to document their residence, but food is offered to anyone on an emergency basis.
If you want to donate or volunteer, you should contact the food pantry directly. More information is available online for those who want to learn more.
8. Dallas MLK Community Center
Local charities, churches, businesses and individuals came together to form the Dallas MLK Community Center in 1969. This organization provides several community services to those experiencing financial hardship, including free groceries. Volunteers distribute free produce and non-perishable food items to the public twice weekly at two pop-up markets in area parking lots easily accessible to the public.
Donations and volunteers are what keep this organization going. Get in contact with staff members if you have any questions about their services.
9. City Square
In 1988, Jim Sowell a businessman from Dallas, decided to tackle the issue of poverty in his area. He formed City Square; a non-profit organization dedicated to lending a helping hand to those in need of one. The food pantry created by this charity is open four days each week to distribute perishable and non-perishable groceries to the public with no appointment or proof of residence required. Recipients are eligible to visit once every two weeks.
More information about their efforts can be found by getting in touch. Those who want to donate or volunteer can do so online.
10. North Texas Food Bank
The North Texas Food Bank has been helping the residents of Texas keep food on their table for over 40 years. The volunteers and staff at this food bank work to collect and warehouse reclaimed food, donations and bulk purchases for further distribution to smaller food banks across Dallas and other areas of the state. They also help individuals apply for SNAP and other social service benefits to improve their financial situation and reduce food poverty.
Donations and volunteer time given to this food bank further the efforts of multiple food distribution outlets. Contact a staff member if you need additional information.
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