New equipment increases ability to serve

By Jeff Smith

White Rock Center of Hope (WRCH) announced this week that it received a $63,000 grant from the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) 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.

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