The previous director, Carol Bodwell, stepped down after 47 years of service.
Menchaca’s involvement with the organization started 25 years ago when he volunteered to do heavy lifting for the pantry, moving crates and cans in the pantry’s old building, which is now the Family Dollar on Hwy. 5.
When the pantry moved across the street to its location at 307 Smith St. in 2002, Menchaca began to lead teams of volunteers.
In addition to new leadership, the pantry also operates differently. Instead of volunteers packing food for people in need, the pantry has transitioned to a shopping model.
Menchaca said the pandemic influenced the new operation style.
“With all these locations that are giving out food and putting food into trunks, it's the same food,” Menchaca said. “So people are getting the same thing over and over and over again.”
Since the pantry has transitioned to the shopping model, Menchaca said clients are taking half and sometimes a third of what volunteers used to give out.
“They’re taking really specific items,” he said, adding condiments and cooking oil tend to run out the fastest.
One of Menchaca’s goals as he adjusts to his new position is increasing the number of people the food pantry serves. In addition to a volunteer shortage, he said the nonprofit experienced a drop in clients when the pandemic first hit, and the board of directors considered closing the pantry.
“Part of me wanting to keep us open was to carry on [Bodwell’s] legacy,” Menchaca said. “This would not be here without her.”
Other plans Menchaca has in the works involve expanding the pantry to include refrigerated and frozen foods, creating a social media presence and growing the pantry’s outreach to Collin College.
“I feel really lucky to have this job,” said Menchaca, who also owns a business called Frisco Improvement Xpert. “My God-given gift is fixing things, but when it came down to choosing that and this place closing, ... my heart is in feeding people.” 972-547-4404. www.community-foodpantry.org
