Nonprofits Directly Aiding COVID-19 Related Issues: Minnie’s Food Pantry

Minnie’s Food Pantry provides healthy meals, educational resources and red-carpet treatment to every person it serves. The food pantry’s staff believes that overall wellness begins with food, health and financial education; its ultimate goal is to provide numerous programs that help families gain long-term food security.

Since the pandemic began, Minnie’s Food Pantry has served more people than ever before. “This time last year we served 500 families in the month of April; this month we’ve already served 2,151 families,” founder Dr. Cheryl Jackson said in April.

Minnie’s Food Pantry is the official partner of Plano ISD, so it worked with the school district to provide meals for families that are food insecure. Plano ISD provided breakfast and lunch to these families in the form of grab-and-go meals, while Minnie’s provided dinner.

“We’ve been working seven days a week just to meet the demand. We couldn’t deal with the increase without support from the community. The community has responded every time we’ve expressed a need for help. We could not do this alone,” Dr. Jackson said.

Minnie's Food Pantry hosts a mobile food pantry for the community on April 23 // courtesy Minnie's Food Pantry
Minnie’s Food Pantry hosts a mobile food pantry for the community on April 23 // courtesy Minnie’s Food Pantry

How You Can Help:

The best way to help Minnie’s Food Pantry is by making a financial donation. Monetary gifts can be stretched much farther through the pantry’s local partnerships, allowing staff to purchase what is needed and when.

Another way to help is by donating food, and doing so regularly when possible. Food donations can be dropped off 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday at the back side of the building at the Food Drop-Off door.

If You Need Help:

If you are hungry, Minnie’s Food Pantry welcomes you to its food pantry. “If you are one of those people who never thought you’d have to come to a food pantry, please don’t feel ashamed,” Dr. Jackson said. “We have our doors open, and we’re waiting for you.” Visitors in need can go to the food pantry anytime during open hours, as long as they bring a photo ID. Regular service hours are 8:30-11:30 a.m., Wednesday-Saturday.

Minnie's Food Pantry >

 

Minnie’s Food Pantry
661 18th Street
Plano TX 75074

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