On March 12th Catholic Charities hosted it’s second Mega Food Distribution event distributing food and diapers to more than 1000 families in need. Rows of cars lined up to receive diapers and fresh foods such as milk, sweet potatoes, meat, apples, and more. “My pipes broke, so I had to fix that. We need money for basic things,” said Adriana Leal – event participant. Many others in line expressed gratitude sharing stories of financial hardship due to COVID-19 and the Winter storm in February 2021. The event was made possible through Catholic Charities community partners North Texas Food Bank, Hope Supply Co, and Love Connection parking lot.
“We have an ongoing daily food program – but it’s been exacerbated by the recent storm, the economic hardships, and of course the lingering effects of COVID19,” said Dave Woodyard, CEO of Catholic Charities.
The event served more than 1000 families with 60,000+ meals in a drive-thru model that lasted several hours. More than 160 volunteers helped direct traffic, register families waiting in line, and distribute boxes of food into car trunks. Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall was onsite with the Dallas Mavericks Off-Court team to help distribute food alongside CCD volunteers and staff.
“We are doing what the Mavs do – we are volunteering in the community. We are here as part of the Catholic Charities food distribution and we have given out 60,000 meals, that is amazing!” said Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks.
We’re here helping @CCofDallas with food distribution for families in need in DFW 🙏
We’re feeding over 1000 families today alone. pic.twitter.com/2BITgcWdql
— Mavs Off-Court (@MavsOffCourt) March 12, 2021
In November 2020, Catholic Charities hosted its first Mega Food Distribution at the Dallas Executive Airport serving more 1000 families. On the heels of the historic Winter storm in February 2021, CCD is responding to soaring food demands – distributing nearly 6 million meals since March 2020.
Event Impact
About Catholic Charities Hunger Services
Hungers Services mission goal is to alleviate hunger in underserved areas called “food deserts” within our nine county service region. Catholic Charities Dallas believes that alleviating hunger will drastically decrease poverty rates in our communities and improve those struggling in low income environments by allowing families to reallocate money otherwise spent on food.
Through our community brick and mortar pantry locations combined with our mobile community pantries, our program is capable of serving thousand of individuals and families every year.
Individuals and families who missed the event can receive services through the Catholic Charities Hunger Services program.
Every month, CCD mobile community pantries travel throughout the nine counties of the Diocese of Dallas — Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall — delivering fresh and non-perishable food to those in need.
Check the Catholic Charities food pantry schedule for dates and locations near you.
Event Photo Gallery
