November 30, 2023 (Dallas, TX) – White Rock Center of Hope announced today that it received a $63,000 grant from the North Texas Food Bank for capacity building through improved Food Pantry infrastructure. NTFB is the primary source of food for WRCH’s Food Pantry and around 500 others across a 13 county region.
“Over the last few years, demand for services at the White Rock Center of Hope Food Pantry has continued to rise. NTFB funding allows WRCH to accelerate our growth, immediately increasing our capacity to distribute food to neighbors in need here in East Dallas,” said Dr. Greg Smith, White Rock Center of Hope chief executive officer. “Specifically, these funds were used to purchase equipment and furnishings to increase efficiency of inventory management and the selection and distribution of food to neighbors in need here in our East Dallas community.”
This grant funded improvements in all areas of on-site operations. In the Food Pantry Warehouse, new shelving enables the space efficient storage of backstock while new carts and bins allow for easier inventory management. In the Food Pantry, new shelving, new commercial glass door refrigeration and freezer units, and produce coolers allow more products to be merchandised in the same space while increasing the freshness of many healthy food options. Additionally, new grocery carts provide safety, consistency, and dignity to shoppers.
Kaylan VanPelt, director of neighbor services, shared, “For the first time ever, the White Rock Center of Hope looks, feels, and acts like a real grocery store.”
With the help of more than 750 volunteers, White Rock Center of Hope expects to provide even more nutritious meals to the East Dallas community.
About North Texas Food Bank
The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a top-ranked non-profit hunger-relief organization that sources, packages and distributes food through a network of about 500 Partner Agencies and organizations across 13 North Texas counties. The organization also provides food to children, seniors and families through various direct-delivery programs, including mobile pantries. In its last fiscal year, the NTFB provided access to more than 144 million nutritious meals or nearly 400,000 meals a day, a 5% percent increase over the prior year. The North Texas Food Bank is designated a 4-Star Exceptional organization by Charity Navigator based on its governance, integrity and financial stability, and is ranked 87th on Forbes 2022 Top 100 Charities in America. NTFB is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeff Smith
Jeff.smith@ntfb.org
469.891.7022
About White Rock Center of Hope
White Rock Center of Hope (WRCH) is an East Dallas non-profit committed to creating a community where every person thrives. The organization provides basic needs services, including a Food Pantry, Clothing Closet, and Financial Assistance for Housing, along with personalized empowerment for those residing in 75218, 75228, 75238, 75223, and 75214. In Fiscal 2023, WRCH distributed 441,900 pounds of food – a 15% increase over the prior fiscal year. WRCH is designated a 4-Star Exceptional organization by Charity Navigator and is a NTFB partner agency.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Greg Smith
Greg@whiterockcenterofhope.org
214.328.2978
