DENTON, Texas (Feb. 23) — In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, a truck carrying more than 30,000 pounds of food was delivered to Denton-area food pantries as part of a nationwide service initiative supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The delivery, made to the Denton Community Food Center, is part of the nationwide America250 initiative, which is sending 250 truckloads of food to 250 food banks across all 50 states. The Denton stop was one of four deliveries across the Dallas–Fort Worth area, bringing together volunteers, local leaders, and community organizations to help families facing food insecurity.
Through America250’s America Gives initiative and the Church’s JustServe platform, community members are joining together to put service into action.
The Denton delivery included 23 pallets of food—approximately 30,600 pounds of canned fruits, vegetables, meats, pasta, and other staple items. Most of the donation—about 21,000 pounds—was received by the Denton Community Food Center, with additional pallets benefiting Our Daily Bread in Denton and the Ponder Mobile Food Pantry, operated by Ponder Global Methodist Church.
Helping Meet Growing Needs
The Denton Community Food Center distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds of food each year to families across the area.
DCFC retained about 21,000 pounds of the 18 wheeler full of food. “All donations are important, however this one is a very significant donation for which we greatly appreciate.” said Tom Newell, board chair of the Denton Community Food Center.
In 2025 alone, the organization distributed 700,000 pounds of food to families in the local community. Families are able to receive food once each month. According to Newell, the pantry serves roughly 800 to 900 unique families every month.
Addressing Food Insecurity in a Growing Community
As Denton County continues to grow, so does the need for food assistance.
“Denton County is one of the fastest growing counties in the USA. 91 new people move to our County every day. 21% of our population is hunger insecure according to United Way and USDA data.”
Newell explained that economic pressures have led more families to rely on regular food assistance. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with faith-based organizations and community groups.
“It truly takes a village to meet this growing need. Faith-based partners are important to our success and complement the mix of donors that we rely year around to meet our mission.”
Youth Service Supports Local Outreach
The service effort also included a youth-led project to help those in need.
High school senior Eden Bennion and her family organized a community drive to collect socks for Our Daily Bread in Denton as part of the service component of the America250 effort. Their goal was to gather 250 pairs of socks, but the community donated more than 500 pairs.
The sisters delivered the socks while volunteers unloaded the truck, wearing JustServe shirts as they joined other community members serving that day.
A Nationwide Effort to Serve
The Denton delivery is one of several stops in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and part of a larger nationwide effort coordinated through America250 and JustServe, a volunteer platform sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The initiative invites communities to come together in service and support for neighbors in need.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with more than 17 million members worldwide, seeks to follow the example of Jesus Christ by strengthening individuals, families, and communities through worship and service.
Local residents interested in serving can find volunteer opportunities throughout North Texas at JustServe.org.