Empowering our Neighbors

When I step into the Mission Central lobby during any given afternoon, a whirlwind of emotions washes over me. The lobby is consistently bustling with individuals seeking essential groceries. Our dedicated volunteer teams work tirelessly, guiding them through the process of completing online forms and selecting their groceries. It's heartwarming to witness how our guests are met with respect, compassion, and an open-minded approach. Our ultimate goal is to empower our neighbors.

In years past, I could spend time in the lobby, sharing coffee and conversation with our volunteers. However, that reality has changed. Over the past few years, the demand for assistance among our neighbors has surged to the point where there is no respite from the moment we open our doors until well after we lock them. Numerous factors have contributed to this challenging situation.

Our community primarily consists of hardworking families who are grappling with the harsh realities of rising grocery prices, increasing rent, and soaring living costs. Regrettably, wages have not kept pace with these economic shifts. Consequently, we're witnessing a steady influx of "new" families each month—individuals who have never had to rely on a food pantry before, and many are bewildered by a system they've never had to navigate. For these families, many of whom were already teetering on the edge, they now find themselves working the same jobs, often juggling multiple positions, and still unable to make ends meet.

This is the reason I wake up every day and head to work with purpose. I grew up in HEB, and the families we serve are truly my neighbors. When our neighbors face adversity, it ripples throughout our entire community. When children go to bed hungry, their ability to concentrate in school is compromised, and their academic performance frequently suffers. Education represents a critical avenue for breaking the cycle of poverty, but when students go to school on empty stomachs, the path becomes exponentially more challenging. They often find themselves ensnared once again in the heart-wrenching cycle of poverty.

I'm reaching out to 20 of my friends, urging them to make a contribution on North Texas Giving Day. There is no specific amount required; even a small contribution can make a significant impact. Your support will enable us to continue providing essential meals to our neighbors who need them most. Our vision revolves around fostering a community where every individual possesses the tools to thrive, thereby enhancing the well-being of the entire community. We cannot achieve this goal on our own, and your support is invaluable.