Joe’s Pantry Delivers Dignity Along with Food Through Client Choice Model

The Catholic Charities of Dallas pantry recently shifted its layout as the number of families they serve continues to increase.

^{Daniel, a volunteer and shopper, helps restock canned goods.}

Eva and her husband never imagined having to visit a food pantry.

“I’ve never solicited any help because my thinking has always been that you earn things in life,” she says.

But after she lost her job and her husband’s work slowed down, a friend told her about NTFB partner Joe’s Pantry, which is run by Catholic Charities Dallas.

“God put her in my life to tell me about this pantry to come get some help,” Eva says, adding that they were only buying necessities but found they still didn’t have enough to cover their bills. “We were in need, and we knocked on doors and this one opened for us.”

At Joe’s Pantry, which opened just more than a year ago inside St. Jude Center-Park Central, neighbors living in surrounding zip codes are invited to shop just like they would at a grocery store. Eva picked out eggs, canned goods, meat, produce and other staples.

“It’s such a blessing because you give us this with hard work and love,” she says. “We are so blessed to receive that.”

Eva’s is one of around 100 families per day visiting the pantry—up from closer to 50 each day a year ago.

Pantry Supervisor Devon Hardeman says the number of neighbors they serve continues to climb, and they’re committed to ensuring those who need food receive it.

Jenna Reinke, Hunger Program Manager for Catholic Charities Dallas, says when Joe’s Pantry first opened, they would send a volunteer along with neighbors to assist them in shopping. This spring, they shifted to having neighbors shop on their own while volunteers are stationed throughout, restocking shelves and remaining available should anyone need assistance.

“We were trying to give them some of their dignity back by letting them shop on their own,” she says. “It’s been a really positive change.”

Along with Joe’s Pantry, Catholic Charities operates four other pantries as well as over 90 mobile pantry sites in nine counties.

At Joe’s Pantry, many of the volunteers are residents from St. Jude Center, which provides housing and case management for formerly homeless veterans and chronically homeless adults. Residents receive access to groceries from the pantry and can utilize counseling and vocational training available on-site at the center’s Co-Work and Coffee space.

Daniel, a veteran and St. Jude resident who frequently volunteers, says he loves being able to give back. When he shops, Daniels says he’s able to use the money he saves on groceries for transportation costs.

“This is a blessing,” he says. “I like the vegetables we get here because they’re good for my health.”