Network of Community Ministries Expands Reach with New Box Truck

The truck was purchased through grants from North Texas Food Bank and the Hoblitzelle Foundation.

Network of Community Ministries is picking up around 22,000 pounds of food each week from retail partners with a new box truck purchased through the support of a North Texas Food Bank grant.

The NTFB agency partner celebrated the new refrigerated box truck, which was also supported by the Hoblitzelle Foundation, during a ribbon cutting in January.

“With this truck we will be able to distribute more food, reach more families and respond more efficiently to the growing needs in our community,” said Network President and CEO Celeste Sneeze. “Today we celebrate progress, partnership and the collective effort that it takes to fight food insecurity.”

The truck is primarily used to pick up donations of groceries from 11 NTFB retail partners that provide produce, dairy, bread and more each week.

Neighbors Belinda and Dean, pictured above, say they’re appreciative of everything they receive from Network, particularly any fresh produce from partner retail stores.

“We always look for healthy food,” says Belinda, who lives on a fixed income because of a disability. Adds Dean, “We also try to get milk and eggs. This means we’ll have food to eat, it sure is a blessing.”

Ashley Edling, Director of Development at Network, said the truck will also improve Network’s ability to respond in emergency situations, such as the 2024 boil water notice issued in Richardson after a water tower experienced pressure issues. When the issue occurred, Network had to make multiple trips to NTFB to pick up water for residents because it only had a smaller truck. Now, that could be done efficiently in one trip.

In addition to the truck, the NTFB grant supported shelving in a van that’s used for the delivery of meals to about 80 homebound seniors each month.

Jessica Orsino-Jordan, Manager of Partner Grants for NTFB, said the grant is a great example of how investing in equipment can strengthen an agency partner’s ability to support neighbors facing hunger.

“This collaboration is a powerful example of how working together creates real, lasting impact, and we’re excited to see how this truck helps Network continue its vital work of feeding our community,” she said.

Mark, a volunteer who also receives food at Network, said he’s grateful for staples and healthy items, like produce. He added that it’s also a treat when retail partners donate bakery items, which is not something he would splurge on at the store.

“One time I received lemon pie, which is one of my favorites,” he said.