In November 2023, the Local Good Pantry opened its doors. In response to another pantry’s closure, we founded Local Good Pantry as a commitment to help address growing food insecurity in the area. Since then, the number of neighbors we serve and feed has grown from around 200 individuals per day to around 650. That’s more than 2,100 people per week, representing more than 6,300 family members.

We are proud to be part of the Local Good Collective, a community initiative from Chase Oaks Church that includes the Local Good Center, Local Good Coffee Co., and Local Good Resale. Proceeds from the coffee company and resale shop funnel back into the food pantry and Local Good Center to keep our essential services running.

Who We Serve

We operate three days a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and we support two groups of neighbors:

• Drive-up neighbors. These families and individuals have registered through the TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) with the North Texas Food Bank. They receive weekly boxes filled with fresh produce, meat, bread, fruit, and dessert.
• Walk-up neighbors. Most of these individuals are experiencing homelessness or have limited access to kitchen facilities. They receive “ready-to-eat” bags with water, sandwiches, peanut butter, granola bars, and more. On average, approximately 200 walk-up neighbors are served each day.

Partnership and Collaboration

The Local Good Pantry’s ability to serve thousands each week is a group effort. Our partnership with North Texas Food Bank gives us weekly access to three deliveries and 21 retail pickups from partner stores. Along with logistical support from the Pantry’s own staff and volunteers, this network ensures consistent access of food for those who need it.

Collaboration, not competition, is a key to meeting overall demand in our area. The needs are great, so we work together with other pantries to make sure our neighbors are provided assistance.

One way the community supports us is through sandwich-making events. Businesses and other groups host these events, which foster teamwork while providing hundreds of sandwiches for our walk-up neighbors. They’re a simple way for people to get involved, even for just a few hours.

Prioritizing Dignity

When we first opened, we noticed something troubling. A hole had been cut in the fence behind our building, near the Beltline DART stop. Walk-up neighbors were crawling through the hole on their hands and knees to access food. It was heartbreaking to see them sacrificing their personal dignity and risking injury, just to eat.

We notified DART of the situation during our Grand Opening. One week later, they came to observe. Shortly after that, they installed a brand-new, wrought-iron gate and walkway wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers. Our neighbors knew this change was made just for them.

Dignity is still central to everything we do. We work to ensure our neighbors are seen and heard.

Early on, many neighbors requested boxes without pork due to dietary or religious reasons. As a result, we implemented a color-coded bag system and began noting “NP” (No Pork) on cars during check-in. It’s a small detail that allows us to honor personal dietary choices.

We also give every child in a vehicle a “Buddy Bag” with a fun surprise, which helps make their wait more enjoyable. It’s a way for us to tell these kids, “We see you. You matter.”

How You Can Help

Our success is driven by the incredible commitment of our volunteers and staff. They are the heartbeat of the Pantry. So far this year, volunteers have given 5,350 hours of their time.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Volunteer for a distribution shift(Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays).
• Join a prep day to help us prep the day before distribution.
• Host a sandwich-making or hygiene-packing event.
• Purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist, including diapers, wipes, and hygiene products, which are especially vital to our walk-up neighbors.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2D00KON3AFBMZ?ref_=abls_nvfly_yl

We also encourage families to volunteer together! Children ages 8 and up can serve during Distribution Days. Five times a year, we have Family Serve Days, with special activities for all ages. Younger ones can make “Dogger Bags” for our furry friends and “Buddy Bags” given to children who are waiting in line with their families. They can also write notes for our neighbors.

A Place To Receive and Give Back

We are here if you need a helping hand—and if you want to lend one. Whether you choose to volunteer, donate, or simply help us spread the word, we’d love to have you be a part of what’s happening at the Local Good Pantry in Richardson.

For more information about Richardson’s Local Good Pantry and how to support our mission, visit localgoodpantry.org.

The Local Good Pantry’s mission is to provide good food and essentials with great dignity to those in our community.