Mobile food program helps families

By Kristi Bare

Wilkinson Center will launch its new Pantry2Go mobile food program at a special celebration on Friday, June 18, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., at its East Dallas food pantry, located at 3402 N. Buckner Blvd. in Dallas.

The celebration will include recognition of Pantry2Go partners North Texas Food Bank, American Airlines and the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation, as well as remarks from Wilkinson Center executive director Anne Reeder, City of Dallas council member Adam Bazaldua, North Texas Food Bank president and CEO Trisha Cunningham, board chair Elizabeth Willis, Wilkinson Center program director Rachael Berhe and Wilkinson Center director of food and support services Maria Powers.

“We currently serve approximately 8,500 clients in our Food Pantry each year, which is equivalent to nearly 600,000 meals,” said Reeder. “With the Pantry2Go refrigerated food delivery truck, we will reach more clients, meeting them in neighborhoods where they live and work, saving them time and expense. But most importantly, ensuring that our neighbors who are hungry will be fed.”

The 16-foot refrigerated Mitsubishi truck will hold enough boxed food to feed 100 families per load. The Pantry2Go mobile food program will allow the organization to expand current service to more families in East Dallas, Pleasant Grove and Mesquite. The Pantry2Go pilot program will begin in July and will visit identified schools and apartments in underserved communities.

The goal of Pantry2Go is to reduce food insecurity, alleviate hunger and ensure delivery of the basic needs of the city’s most vulnerable people. Pantry2Go will deliver approximately 100,000 meals per year. 

For more information, visit wilkinsoncenter.org.