November 1 will mark one month of the government shutdown. It also will mark a pause on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.
According to an alert at the top of the United States Department of Agriculture website, “the well has run dry” for SNAP benefits. This week, many organizations are preparing to address the need for food that is on the rise. Here are some resources you can access or support in Oak Cliff:
Faith Formula Human Services is located at 616 W. Kiest Blvd. and is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The organization provides healthy food for folks over age 55 on the third Saturday of each month through the Courtyard Pantry Giveaway.
FEED Oak Cliff is a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to healthy food in Oak Cliff. The group hosts the annual Dallas Veg Fest, which took place in September. Although no upcoming events are listed, you can get involved as a volunteer to handle food, support the mission or help organize future FEED Oak Cliff events through the Get Involved page.
For Oak Cliff serves the South Oak Cliff community. Individuals can sign up to become members of the organization. With a membership, you can come in and access the pantry once a week. Volunteers can also sign up to help support events such as Farmers Markets.
Harmony Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit that hopes to stimulate affordable housing, create business ownership and increase social services. The Harmony Food Pantry, located at 6969 Pastor Bailey Dr., Suite 300, serves the following Oak Cliff ZIP codes through a sign up for monthly food pantry services: 75216, 75211, 75232, 75233, 75236, 75237, 75224 75241, and 75249. All other residents are eligible for quarterly services. For information, call 214-467-6770.
The Salvation Army’s Oak Cliff Food Distribution Center is located at 1617 W. Jefferson Blvd. and provides year-round food pantry services Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Newcomers should bring a photo ID and a utility bill with your address.
Oak Cliff Churches for Emergency Aid is a collective effort of local churches to help meet the emergency needs of the community. The group distributes food and financial aid Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at 123 S. Llewellyn Ave. Needed items for donations are listed here.
Mission Oak Cliff, located at 111 S. Beckley Ave., provides food assistance Monday-Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. The food pantry operates through client-choice including shelf-stable foods, fresh produce and frozen meats. Clients may receive food two times per month and food is distributed based on household size. To receive food, a photo ID for all adults and social security card or birth certificate for all minors in the household is required, along with proof of address with a current lease or two utility bills (such as gas, electric or water).