How Irving Cares is Meeting the Needs of its Neighbors

The NTFB partner provides access to food, financial assistance and more.

^{Volunteers pack food for neighbors at Irving Cares.}

Maria and her family tried cutting back on their portion sizes as the cost of living went up.

When her adult son lost his job, though, they realized they needed help. Her son was referred to North Texas Food Bank partner Irving Cares and Maria has been able to visit once a month to pick up chicken, milk, vegetables and other items. The groceries ensure Maria, her husband, their 15-year-old and their adult son who lives with them don’t have to go without a meal when their budget is strained.

“Rent and electricity bills are so high,” she says. “We’ve tried to eat less to save a little money and make it last, so this helps out … The food is so great. Thank you for your help.”

Maria is one of 80 individuals who visited Irving Cares on a recent Thursday. The partner serves around 25,000 unduplicated neighbors each year through its pantry as well as its holistic services, including financial assistance, employment services and education. Irving Cares also facilitates a Commodity Supplemental Food Program senior box distribution in partnership with NTFB.

“Food is the key to opening the door and getting people introduced to Irving Cares,” says Kyle Taylor, Executive Director and a member of NTFB’S Partner Council. “We have a large amount of food insecurity in Irving—18%—we’re the second poorest city in Dallas County behind Dallas.”

The pantry recently adopted Service Insights, a free, online app through Feeding America that aims to simplify the intake process while collecting data to help us better serve our neighbors. At Irving Cares, Kyle is hopeful Service Insights will allow them to add additional service times by utilizing appointments and the simplified check-in available on the app.

They also have their sights set on a pantry remodel to help them even better serve neighbors. “Our next step will be creating a client choice pantry where they’ll come in and shop,” he says.

Neighbors like Megan say they appreciate the support of food and love the idea of being able to select things they know their kids will eat.

“My youngest son is autistic so he’s really particular,” she says, adding that Irving Cares was great about providing items that he will eat.

Megan works as a server and says when the weather is bad and traffic is low, she brings home less than minimum wage. She’s looking for a warehouse job, so she has more stability in her income and says the assistance with groceries until then is a blessing.

Volunteer Cynthia Sawyer says the blessing goes both ways. After losing her mom whom she cared for during her final years, Cynthia says she felt lost. Kyle invited her to volunteer and she now gives back three days a week. “I felt like my purpose was done, and then I came here,” she says. “I love it here.”

Find out more about Irving Cares here.