Catholic Charities Dallas Delivers Nearly 8 Million Meals with Support from North Texas Food Bank
The partnership expands food access across 12 North Texas counties.
Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) was recently awarded the Mobile Engagement Award by the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) for distributing nearly 8 million meals over the past year, bringing the total to more than 34 million meals since the two organizations began partnering in 2011. This longstanding collaboration has helped CCD meet growing demand across North Texas as more families struggle with food insecurity, driven by inflation and high living costs.
“Our Catholic faith calls us to care for our communities’ most vulnerable,” said Jari Mema, Chief Services Officer of Catholic Charities Dallas. “We are proud to work alongside the North Texas Food Bank to ensure that no family or individual goes hungry.”
Catholic Charities Dallas operates one of the most extensive mobile food outreach programs in the region. In fiscal year 2025, CCD surpassed 115 mobile distribution sites across nine counties, delivering food six days a week—including Saturdays—to both urban neighborhoods and rural communities. These mobile units served as the frontline of access for many families, contributing more than 5.4 million meals through partner-enabled mobile efforts and expanding service locations to better meet community needs. Full details and schedules can be found at ccdallas.org/mobile.
In addition to its mobile services, Catholic Charities operates three permanent food pantries, providing clients a consistent and dignified place to receive groceries. The newest addition, Joe’s Pantry at St. Jude Center-Park Central, uses a client-choice model that allows neighbors to select their food in a grocery store-like setting. Demand has nearly doubled since the pantry opened, now serving about 100 families daily. Joe’s Pantry and others, including the Jan Pruitt Community Pantry, serve designated zip codes to ensure targeted support where it’s needed most.
Recognizing the food access challenges in rural areas, Catholic Charities and NTFB launched a container pantry in Ennis, Texas, now providing more than 500,000 meals annually. This innovative model combines the accessibility of mobile distribution with the consistency of a permanent location, bringing food directly to families in Ellis County who may not otherwise have access to nutritious meals.
Beyond food assistance, Catholic Charities Dallas and the North Texas Food Bank are committed to offering wraparound services that support long-term stability. Through co-located services at places like the St. Jude Center-Park Central, neighbors receive help applying for SNAP benefits, financial literacy training, employment support, and housing resources. Much of this work has been made possible through NTFB’s Capacity Building and Hope for Tomorrow Grants, which have funded both the pantry infrastructure and ongoing case management efforts.
Ceola, a neighbor who shops for food and volunteers at Joe’s Pantry, says Catholic Charities has helped ensure she has food for her family and they’ve given her a place to give back to others.
“I wasn’t able to provide for my family because my bills ae so high,” Ceola says. “This relieves my stress for that week when I’m able to come here. I normally shop on Wednesdays and volunteer on Fridays. I love to see people coming in and know we’re able to help them.”
Ceola says a caseworker has also been supportive of her and her son, a teenager who lives with autism spectrum disorder.
Ceola, a volunteer and shopper at Catholic Charities’ Joe’s Pantry
“Catholic Charities is one of our most trusted partners in delivering food to those who need it most,” said Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank. “Together, we’re providing not just food, but stability and hope for thousands of families.”
To learn more about Catholic Charities Dallas or to find food assistance near you, visit www.ccdallas.org or www.ntfb.org.