Denton Community Food Center

Because No One in Denton Should Go Hungry

Imagine not knowing if you’ll have enough food to feed your family this week. Standing in your kitchen, opening the fridge, and realizing there’s nothing there. It’s a fear that too many of our neighbors in the Denton community live with every single day.

This isn’t just a global issue, it’s happening right here. Families juggling multiple jobs and still not making ends meet. Children going to school hungry. Seniors choosing between groceries and medication. Single parents skipping meals so their kids can eat.

Food insecurity can affect anyone, and its impact runs deep. It touches health, dignity, emotional well-being, and the sense of stability that every person deserves. That’s why we’re coming together to support those who need a hand and to remind them they are not alone.

Since 1974, the Denton Community Food Center has served as a place of hope, compassion, and nourishment. Located in the heart of the city off Loop 288, this 100% volunteer-run, donor-supported organization provides fresh groceries to residents in Denton and Northern Denton County. Every person who walks through their doors is met with respect and dignity and leaves with enough food to help feed their household for an entire week.

Why This Matters Now

Food insecurity is a growing crisis that is affecting more families than ever before. In 2023, an estimated 47.4 million people in the United States lived in food-insecure households, including 7.2 million children (USDA ERS, 2024). These aren’t just statistics they represent real people facing impossible choices every day. Choices like whether to pay rent or buy groceries, whether to skip a meal so their children can eat, or how to stretch a few dollars to last through the week.

Right here in our own backyard, the reality is just as urgent. According to Serve Denton (2023), 21% of Denton County residents are food insecure. That means one in five people in our community lacks consistent access to enough food to live an active, healthy life.

This is why organizations like the Denton Community Food Center are so important. They step in during these moments of need, offering more than just groceries. They offer relief, dignity, and hope.

This campaign is our chance to stand with them, and with the families, seniors, students, and workers who are just trying to make it through the month with food on the table.

How Your Donation Helps

Every dollar donated will help Denton CFC continue providing food to local families in need. While we can’t promise where every cent will go we do know this: your donation will directly support a trusted local organization with over 50 years of service, compassion, and impact in Denton. The Denton Community Food Center has stood by this community through economic hardships, natural disasters, and everyday challenges and your generosity helps keep that work going.

Here’s how your support makes an impact:

Want to Do Even More? Volunteer

In addition to fundraising, we’re also helping spread the word about volunteer opportunities. The Denton Community Food Center is fully run by volunteers, and they’re actively looking for more help.

Most volunteers serve on Monday and Wednesday mornings, starting at 9:30 AM. There are roles for everyone, from light duties like assembling bags or helping clients, to more active tasks like pushing carts or stocking shelves. They also welcome administrative and seated volunteers with skills in areas like data entry, Excel, QuickBooks, or food handling.

If you or someone you know is interested, email the Denton Community Food Center directly.

This Is Personal to Us

As students in a service-learning course called Pathways to Civic Engagement, we’ve spent the past several weeks learning not just about food insecurity, but about what it truly means to show up for your community. This experience has pushed us beyond the classroom assignments and into the heart of Denton. We’ve worked alongside the volunteers at the Denton Community Food Center, listened to stories, and witnessed firsthand the impact this is having on the community.

We’ve met people who never imagined needing a food pantry. Families navigating job loss, unexpected medical bills, or the rising cost of living. We’ve seen parents balancing strength and vulnerability as they seek support for their children. And we’ve seen the relief in their eyes when they realize they’re not alone, that there’s a place in their community that will greet them with dignity and help them through the hardest days.

This campaign isn’t just about raising money, it’s about civic responsibility and the community connection. When we engage as students, neighbors, and as citizens, we realize we all have a role in building a community where everyone belongs and everyone is fed.

We hope you’ll join us

If you’re able, please donate. If you can’t, please share. Every act of support, big or small, matters.

Learn More

Denton Community Food Center

306 N. Loop 288, Suite 400, Denton, TX 76209

www.dentoncfc.org

Sources

United States Department of Agriculture (2024). Food Security in the U.S.

Serve Denton (2023). Hunger in Denton County

EVERY DAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR SOMEONE

Feed the nest and help us all make a difference! Feed the Nest is a service-learning team from the University of North Texas, integrating meaningful community service with instruction and reflection, while experiencing the value of civic responsibility and how it strengthens communities. We have chosen to bring awareness to the issue of food insecurity and wish to help the Denton Community Food Center increase their food supply to meet the community needs.

The Social Issue of Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is an official term from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), defined as "a lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active and healthy life." Forty-seven million people (including 14 million children) experience food insecurity annually. (https://www.feedingamerica.org). Texas has a higher food insecurity rate than the national average, with more than 1 in 6 households reported as food insecure, and nearly 5.1 million Texans at risk for hunger. Unfortunately, Texas has become the leading state in food insecurity, recently surpassing California. (https://www.feedingtexas.org).

(Texas Food Insecurity)

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/mpact-Diagram-of-Food-Security_fig3_346012915

Hunger and poor nutrition are the greatest threats to health. Food insecurity is detrimental to children and can have a lifetime effect. Even short-term hunger episodes, not to mention only having non-nutritious food options, can cause lasting child development damage. It can contribute to chronic diseases such as asthma, anemia, and obesity, among other conditions, due to a lower quality diet.

One of our own team members has experienced food insecurity first-hand, and has endured the consequences of how it can affect the life of a child and beyond. As our team member relayed:

“Growing up in a family of four with a single mother, I faced significant challenges due to financial struggles. My mother worked tirelessly to provide for my two siblings and me, but often she could only afford the cheapest, most non-nutritious foods. Many meals consisted of Vienna sausages and ramen noodles, leaving us with constant food insecurities. This situation took a toll on our health, as we struggled with our weight for years, affected by the limited and unhealthy food options available to us.”

The Wonders of the Denton Community Food Center

The Denton Community Food Center (DCFC) addresses hunger insecurity in Northern Denton County. According to Serve Denton, 21% of the Denton County residents are food insecure, meaning they don’t know where their next meal will come from. And the number of people facing hunger in Denton County grew 26% from 2021 to 2022! The DCFC’s services are vital in relieving this problem, especially with the ongoing economic instability and population increases. Without organizations like DCFC, many families, including those with school-aged children, would face greater hardships impacting their health, education, and ability to thrive.

Since 1974, DCFC’s mission has been to provide emergency food assistance from a central community storehouse to needy families and individuals in the City of Denton and Northern Denton County. Since March of 2020, DCFC has served 59,157 families in this endeavor, who qualify by USDA/TDA standards. According to their program, each qualified household receives approximately enough food to feed a family of four for one week. Each family can visit DCFC once a month. (https://www.Dentoncfc.org).

According to Mike Paulson (Vice Chair, Board of Directors) and Dallas Newell (Volunteer Coordinator), DCFC is a non-profit organization that has been in operation for the last 50 years and is strictly 100% volunteer-based, which sets them apart from other organizations. DCFC relies heavily on monetary donations, as well as support from the Tarrant Area Food Bank. Not only does DCFC provide food for those in need, but they also allocate items for the homeless, allowing them to serve two needs in the community.

Mike Paulson further explains that DCFC does not look at opportunities as “fundraising” but instead as “friendraising." This reference invites a real community to support an organization such as this.

(The Spirit Of Denton Community Food Center)

Critical Issue Facing the Aid for Denton County and How We Can Help

For the past 42 years, the North Texas Food Bank and the Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB) have jointly served neighbors facing hunger in Denton County. On August 14, 2024, the two food banks announced that they have agreed to transition the support of Denton County entirely to the TAFB on January 1, 2025. This decision came after two years of research and evaluation on the best way to close the hunger gap in Denton County. (https://tafb.org/news/transition-of-denton-county-services/).

With this upcoming important change, there are some major concerns if TAFB can keep up with the needs of the DCFC all by itself. Monetary support will be crucial during this transition and for future success. Cash donations are the most versatile, as they enable DCFC to buy the food items they need. DCFC purchases 70% of its food from cash donations. For every $10 donated, $60-$70 of food from TAFB can be purchased. But since TAFB will soon be the sole support for Denton County, this supply will be heavily challenged, and DCFC may need extra funds to handle the burden.

So this is how we can help! Our donations will allow DCFC to continue its work of ensuring no community member goes hungry and alleviating food insecurity for Denton families. This great work not only meets the immediate needs of Denton County, but also contributes to the long-term stability and well-being of the community as a whole.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY! HELP US FEED THE NEST!

For more information about the Denton Community Food Center:

Website: https://www.dentoncfc.org/

Address: 306 N. Loop 288 #400, Denton, Texas 76209-4887

We are The Food Group — a group of six undergraduate Applied Arts and Sciences students. Our goal is to bring awareness to the issue of food insecurity in Denton County and raise $2,500.

When we first formed our group and decided we wanted to raise money for this cause, we weren't sure how to begin, as the majority of us have little experience with service-learning projects.

However, throughout this campaign so far, we have been recognizing our previous biases and determining the best way we can help the Denton Community Food Center. You can help too — even just a dollar is a step in the right direction! We hope that with our campaign, we can teach the community about being civically engaged the way those in need may teach us.

Support Denton County and Make a Difference This Holiday Season

We're reaching out to the Denton County community, local businesses, and residents with a heartfelt request: help us feed our neighbors, friends, children, and vulnerable individuals facing food insecurity. As we enter the holiday season, there's no better time than now to give back by making sure no family goes hungry.

We're collecting donations to support the Denton Community Food Center (DCFC), a vital nonprofit in our area. Since 1974, DCFC has served as the largest food bank in northern Denton County, reaching 21 towns and 31 zip codes, extending as far west as Decatur and as far east as Collin County (Serve Denton, 2020). This remarkable organization, run entirely by volunteers, provides food and support to those in need – families, children, and individuals right here in our community.

Why Your Donation Matters

Your support has an incredible impact: a $10 donation allows DCFC to purchase $60–$80 worth of food, enough for approximately 50 meals! Imagine how many families you can help by giving just a little.

Food insecurity is a growing problem. In Texas, 1 in 8 people face uncertainty about their next meal, including many who are employed but still can’t make ends meet. In Denton County alone, 13% of residents struggle to access nutritious, affordable food. Rising costs and housing expenses make it even tougher. When you donate, you’re not just feeding people – you’re giving hope and stability to families in crisis.

The Human Side of Hunger

Food insecurity isn’t just a statistic; it’s affecting the people we know. The face of food insecurity could be a child in your child’s class, a coworker, or a neighbor. One Denton mother shared that she often skips meals so her children can eat – stories like hers show the strength of our community and why we must support each other.

How Food Insecurity Affects Lives

Hunger impacts every part of life, from physical health to mental well-being. Children facing hunger struggle in school, and working adults lose productivity due to stress and poor health. Food insecurity creates a cycle of hardship that is difficult to break, and with your help, DCFC is here to provide the lifeline our neighbors need.

Campaign Goals and How You Can Help

We’re aiming to raise $3,000 for the Denton Community Food Center. Every dollar you donate will go directly to providing food and resources for those who need it most. Beyond financial support, we encourage you to spread the word, share this campaign, and invite others to join our effort.

We’re also seeking community partnerships with local businesses, schools, and organizations to strengthen our impact. Together, we can build a powerful network of supporters who respond quickly to community needs.

Join Us in Making a Difference

By donating, sharing our campaign, or volunteering, you become part of the solution. Let’s work together to support Denton County families in need, to give every child, parent, and individual the dignity of a full, nourishing meal. This holiday season, let’s make sure everyone in our community has something to be thankful for.

Fighting Food Insecurity in Denton County

Food insecurity, the struggle to access enough nutritious food, impacts millions across the U.S., with an estimated 34 million people facing hunger daily. This issue is especially prevalent in Texas, where over 4 million Texans worry about when their next meal will come. For many, it’s not just about putting food on the table but about accessing food that can sustain and nourish them properly.

In Denton County alone, the numbers are just as concerning, with 13% of residents facing food insecurity. This means families in our neighborhoods, including children, working adults, and the elderly often lack the resources to afford balanced, healthy meals. For children, this can lead to lifelong health and developmental challenges, while adults may struggle with job performance, mental health, and other stresses.

The causes are complex, ranging from poverty and unemployment to systemic inequities, high living costs, and even unexpected events like natural disasters that can devastate a family’s finances. With rising food prices and housing costs, even those with jobs are finding it difficult to make ends meet.

Your support can make an immediate impact in the Denton area by providing access to nutritious foods for those in need. Every donation goes toward purchases for the Denton Community Food Center, where just $10 can help provide up to 50 meals. By contributing, you’re directly supporting our neighbors and creating a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for joining us in the fight against hunger!

Location

Located at 306 N. Loop 288, Ste. 400 in Denton, TX, the Denton Community Food Center (DCFC) (940-382-0807) is dedicated to helping residents who need nutritious food. DCFC has been at the heart of the Denton community, striving to ensure that every family can access healthy meals.

Website: https://www.dentoncfc.org

References

Denton Community Food Center. (n.d.). https://www.dentoncfc.org/

Feeding America. (n.d.). Hunger and food insecurity. https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/food-insecurity

Feeding America. (n.d.). Texas. https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/texas

Gonzalez, J. (2024, September 11). A student’s journey beyond food insecurity: “I pushed myself to be proud.” Feeding America. https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-blog/students-journey-beyond-food-insecurity-i-pushed-myself-be-proud

MacAllister, Sharon. (2024, October 31). FEED THE NEST - DENTON COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/4jgZVb5NuYg?si=cMTsZa4z2oLnmWHo

North Texas Food Bank. (2022, February 18). Neighbor & Partner Agency Stories. https://ntfb.org/ntfb-neighbor-partner-agency-stories/

North Texas Giving Day. (2024). Support North Texas Food Bank on NTX giving day. https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/northtexasfoodbank

Serve Denton. (2020, December 18). The Impact Of COVID-19 On Food Insecurity In Denton County (And how Denton Community Food Center is “securing” the gap). https://www.servedenton.org/articles/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-food-insecurity-in-denton-county-and-how-denton-community-food-center-is-securing-the-gap

USDA ERS. (2024, September 4). Key Statistics & Graphics. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/key-statistics-graphics/

Help Us Fight Hunger in Our Community!

Support the Denton Community Food Center (DCFC)

Since 1974, the Denton Community Food Center has been on the front lines of the fight against hunger, serving Denton and 21 surrounding cities in Northern Denton County. As a vital food pantry, DCFC provides essential nourishment to families and individuals facing food insecurity, offering hope and relief in their times of need.

The Need is Real

Hunger is a pressing social issue with deep impacts on health, economic stability, and overall community well-being. In Texas, food insecurity affects nearly one in seven people, or about 16.9% of the population which is more than 4.5% than the U.S. average (Story, 2024). In Denton County alone, the need for emergency food support continues to rise, especially as populations grow and economic hardships persist. Households struggling with food insecurity often lack reliable access to affordable and nutritious food, which can lead to negative health outcomes such as malnutrition, developmental issues in children, and increased susceptibility to chronic illnesses (Beyene, 2023).

Your Support Matters

By contributing to this GoFundMe campaign, you are directly supporting DCFC’s mission to combat food insecurity. Every $25 donated provides a family with a week’s worth of groceries, ensuring they don’t have to choose between food and other necessities. Together, we can create a network of community members dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to the food they need.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Take Jessica, a single mom who turned to DCFC during a tough financial crisis. After losing her job, she faced impossible choices while trying to care for her children. Thanks to the fresh groceries provided by DCFC, she could focus on finding stable employment without the constant worry of putting food on the table. Jessica’s story is just one of many, illustrating the hope and support that our community can provide.

Join Us

Our goal is to raise $1,000 to continue supporting families like Jessica’s. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a tangible difference in the fight against hunger. Will you stand with us and ensure that no one in our community faces hunger alone?

To learn more about the Denton Community Food Center and how you can help, please visit dentoncfc.org/get-involved or call (940) [phone redacted]. Thank you for your generosity and support!

References

Beyene, S. D. (2023). The impact of food insecurity on health outcomes: Empirical evidence from sub-Saharan African countries. BMC Public Health, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15244-3

Story, W. (2024, September 5). New USDA Report Shows Food Insecurity Increased in Texas and Across the Nation from 2022 to 2023. Feeding Texas. https://www.feedingtexas.org/news/new-usda-report-shows-food-insecurity-increased-in-texas-and-across-the-nation-from-2022-to-2023/