The Local Good Pantry: Nourishing Communities, Creating Hope

Posted by April Pierdant, Chase Oaks En Español Campus Residente De Jóvenes, on Jan 26, 2024

The Local Good Pantry: Nourishing Communities, Creating Hope

In the heart of North Texas, Chase Oaks Church has initiated a powerful movement to combat hunger and offer hope through the Local Good Pantry. This community-driven project stands as a beacon of compassion, aiming to address the significant issue of food insecurity in the region. 


The Scope of Food Insecurity

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, a person is food insecure when they lack regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development as well as an active and healthy life. The North Texas Food Bank estimates that one in eight individuals—or approximately 640,000 people—face hunger in North Texas. This staggering statistic places the region as the fourth highest in terms of food insecurity within Feeding America's service area across the nation. “People just don't have access to food and some of that is healthy food, and some of it is just food in general,” Local Good Pantry Director, Tracy Parlin, says.


The Local Good Pantry

The Local Good Pantry began when another pantry that was doing good work in Richardson, Texas found itself unable to continue. City officials approached Chase Oaks about the ongoing need for food assistance; after that pantry closed, the church launched the Local Good Pantry.

The Pantry now serves approximately 4,000 individuals every month. It serves as an emergency pantry, recognizing that hunger knows no boundaries and that solidarity is essential in creating a stronger, more resilient community. Everyone who comes with a need is served, and the only two qualifications are an ID and an address.

The impact of the Local Good Pantry extends beyond Chase Oaks Church's immediate vicinity. Serving neighbors from diverse backgrounds and counties across the surrounding areas, the pantry embraces inclusivity. “There’s an importance to food insecurity and understanding the importance of the value of the food,” Parlin said. The pantry prioritizes accessibility and assistance to ensure that individuals in need can access their services.

 With a commitment to dignified assistance, the Local Good Pantry has become a lifeline for thousands, providing not just sustenance but also a sense of community and optimism. In just a short period, the impact has been tremendous, with over 9,000 people fed and an astonishing 120,000 pounds of food distributed. “We're a pantry that we don't turn people down,” Parlin shares.

Central to the success of the Local Good Pantry is its strategic partnership with the North Texas Food Bank and local grocery stores. This collaboration allows the pantry to receive over 60,000 pounds of fresh foods and meat monthly, ensuring a diverse range of nutritious options for those in need. “We do have access to all of the fresh things that we’re able to give families," Parlin said. “It’s not just what you kind of consider the old school food pantries where you get a lot of bread and you get a lot of sweets, and all those things.” This partnership ensures access to fresh and diverse food options, surprising some visitors with the quality of the produce received. 

The pantry focuses on providing a variety of fresh foods, thanks to its collaboration with North Texas Food Bank and its network of partner agencies. “Sam's and Costco are two of the biggest ones,” Parlin said. The dedication of grocery partners plays a pivotal role in the pantry's ability to meet the demand and address the nutritional requirements. 


Seeking Help

Individuals seeking food assistance can utilize various resources. Sometimes it’s just one Google search away. “You can find different access, different pantries in your area,” Parlin said. “For [The Local Good Pantry], they just have to show up.” Additionally, people can use the number 211 to get connected to social services like the SNAP program. The SNAP program (formerly known as food stamps) offers temporary financial benefits, even for those who may think they earn too much but are facing a crisis such as job loss or family emergencies. The Local Good Pantry also provides information on alternative pantries, guiding individuals to additional resources.


 The Future of the Local Good Pantry

At the heart of the Local Good Pantry is a robust volunteer program that empowers individuals to actively contribute to the cause. There are various ways people can engage with the pantry, ranging from substitute truck drivers and grocery pick-up personnel to roles in building boxes, distribution lines, intake, walk-up assistance, data entry, and participation in "Do Good'' projects around the pantry. This multifaceted approach not only ensures the efficient functioning of the pantry but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility among volunteers.

The Local Good Pantry stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. Through the collective efforts of Chase Oaks Church, volunteers, and dedicated partners, the pantry has become a source of hope and nourishment for thousands facing food insecurity in North Texas. As the Local Good Pantry continues to grow and evolve, it serves as a shining example of how a compassionate community can make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

 Join us for the Pantry's Grand Opening on Saturday, January 27. Find more information and sign up for future volunteer opportunities, here.

Share This:

Recent Stories

Swipe to Discover more

Who or What Is the Holy Spirit, And Why Does It Matter?

May 26, 2025

Who or what is the Holy Spirit? Learn more about this important yet mysterious (and often-misunderstood) part of Christianity, here.


How To Handle Stress When Life Feels Out of Control

May 23, 2025

Overwhelmed by the everyday chaos? Stress happens, but it doesn't have to take over. We've got some practical tips to help you reset and find some calm.


Five Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day in DFW

May 19, 2025

Memorial Day isn't just the unofficial start of summer. Learn more about the history behind the holiday and discover five easy and meaningful ways to celebrate Memorial Day this year.


From a Graduate's Dad: Advice to Parents of New Graduates

May 16, 2025

Graduation marks the end of one stage and the start of another. Chase Oaks Woodbridge Campus Pastor (and grad dad) Todd Baughman offers his "Top 10" advice for parents of new graduates.


When Mother's/Father's Day Is Hard

May 08, 2025

For many of us, Mother's and Father's Day can be a difficult, painful time. They are also an opportunity to care for ourselves well as we lean into God's kindness and compassion.


Four Ways To Treat Mom on Mother’s Day

May 06, 2025

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! We've got four ways you can make the mom or mom-figure in your life feel special and rejuvenated.


What Is "Good" About Good Friday?

Apr 18, 2025

Good Friday is observed the Friday before Easter to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. But why do we call a day of suffering "good"?


3 Ways We Are Like Judas

Apr 16, 2025

Judas: real person, Jesus follower, betrayer. We are like him in three significant (and uncomfortable) ways, and his story has some key lessons for all of us.


10 Places to Take Spring Bluebonnet Photos in North Texas

Apr 14, 2025

Looking for the best spots to snap that perfect spring photo? We’ve found the top 10 places to find bluebonnets around Plano, Frisco, Allen, and beyond.


Seven Free Family Easter Events in DFW for 2025

Mar 25, 2025

It's the Easter season, and we've found seven free Easter events in DFW for 2025 for the entire family to enjoy!