CARROLLTON, Texas — A surplus food truck delivery from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provided more than 36,000 pounds of food and household commodities to two North Texas nonprofits on May 13, helping replenish pantry shelves as rising costs continue to strain local families.
The shipment was divided between Metrocrest Services in Carrollton, which received approximately 27,000 pounds, and Frisco Family Services in Frisco, which received about 9,000 pounds.
Local volunteers organized through JustServe.org assisted in unloading and sorting the food. The delivery included pantry staples and shelf-stable foods selected to meet local needs, including black beans, spaghetti, beef stew, dry milk, pancake mix, and canned goods.
For Metrocrest Services, the donation arrives as demand for food assistance continues to rise.
“Our food pantry is now serving double the number of families we were during the height of the pandemic,” said Caitlin Hardegree, director of marketing for Metrocrest Services. “The increase in cost of living — rent, groceries and gas — have made our pantry a lifeline for thousands of neighbors.”
Founded in 1971, Metrocrest Services provides food assistance, financial help, employment support, and economic mobility coaching for residents in Carrollton and surrounding communities. The nonprofit now serves an estimated 1,300 to 1,500 families each week through its food pantry.
Hardegree said summer months often bring the highest demand.
“With children out of school and higher electricity costs, many families experience added financial strain, and Metrocrest Services is here to help meet those needs,” she said.
At Frisco Family Services, staff said the shipment will help sustain assistance through the summer and into the holiday season.
“It allows us to replenish our shelves. It allows us to serve our community,” said Desireé Thomas, market manager for Frisco Family Services. “It also allows us to serve youth over the summer, so as we have donations going out, we’re able to have donations coming in. Looking forward to the holidays as they come, we will be more able to serve our clients throughout the holiday season.”
Thomas said partnerships with community organizations and faith groups are essential to sustaining services.
“Our partnerships allow us to have people that are always working in the background to help and support us, to keep us on their minds,” she said. “While they’re working to support us, we’re able to further our reach in the community because of these partnerships.”
The donation builds on a relationship of more than 19 years between Frisco Family Services and local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including volunteer service and food donations.
Community members interested in supporting local nonprofits through volunteer service opportunities can learn more at JustServe.org.