In this Q&A, Newell talks about the organization’s history, mission and how community members can get involved. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
How and why was the Denton Community Food Center founded?
This organization was created in 1974 when 10 churches came together. They had 10 individual food pantries and decided that they would be better together, so they founded the Denton Community Food Center. Now it has a board of directors made up of members of the community service area. We’re in our 51st year of continuous service to the community as an all-volunteer-run organization.
What services does it provide?
Our mission is to provide food from a centralized community storehouse to individuals in [food] insecure situations. The two things we have to qualify people is that they live in that service area and they meet the financial qualifications. For example, a family of four [making] just under $50,000 annually qualifies.
What is the center’s greatest need right now?
Our greatest need is an additional set of volunteers. It takes about 40 volunteers to run the operation [on] Mondays and Wednesdays. Each of those two days takes about 40 volunteers who are willing to work every week for about three hours. Getting a whole new group of 40 people to commit and be regular volunteers would be a wonderful thing for us because we would like to be open a third day.
Why is helping the community in this way so important?
I think we all have an obligation to give back in our community, to do productive things. It's a part of a good community spirit. The economy right now is so tough on so many people. That's what's really increased our numbers, both in young families and with seniors in particular.
Find out more
Individuals who want to sign up to become a volunteer can send an email to [email protected] with their availability. Financial contributions can be sent to the Denton Community Food Center at www.secure.dentoncfc.org/donations/donate.
