A group of local restaurants and organizations have joined forces to offer immediate assistance to people who are not receiving SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. While it has ended, it continues to impact the distribution of benefits.
The SNAP Back Food Drive initiative, created by the nonprofit organization Arkearth Inc. in collaboration with the Staff Meal by Piehole Project, aims to collect basic food and essential items for individuals who have not yet received their benefits from the federal SNAP program.
The food drive will last as long as necessary, the organizers said in a news release.
More than 20 restaurants, including Asian Mint, Lockhart Smokehouse, Lucia, Taco y Vino, and Haute Sweets Patisserie, are participating as collection centers where diners can drop off donations. Containers are available daily, and the food collected is distributed weekly to North Texas Food Bank, Minnie’s Food Pantry, and Network of Community Ministries.
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Requested donations include nonperishable items such as pasta, rice, dried beans, canned fruits and vegetables, oil, powdered milk, spices, cookies, personal hygiene items, and feminine products.
Arkearth, based in Richardson, is dedicated to create sustainable food systems, protecting pollinators, and combating food insecurity through education and community partnerships. Staff Meal by Piehole Project, an initiative created during the pandemic, activates chefs and restaurants to support hospitality workers and families in crisis.
The locations where you can bring your donations are:
Restaurants Big Al’s Smokhouse – 3317 Inwood Rd., DallasJimmy’s Food Store – 4901 Bryan St., DallasLockhart Smokehouse / Dallas Bishop Arts – 400 W. Davis St., DallasLockhart Smokehouse / Plano – 1026 E. 15th, St., PlanoLovers Seafood & Market – 5200 West Lovers Lane, DallasPerch Bistro & Bar – 7709 Inwood Rd. DallasRadici Wood Fired Grill – 12990 Bee St., Farmers BranchRoots Southern Table – 13050 Bee St., Farmers BranchShinsei – 7713 Inwood Rd., DallasStarship Bagel – Dallas – 6859 Arapaho Rd., #603, DallasWhiskey Cafe Kitchen & Bar / Ft Worth – Alliance – 2849 Heritage Trace Pkwy, Ft. WorthWhiskey Cafe Kitchen & Bar / Las Colinas – 3225 Regent Blvd IrvingWhiskey Cafe Kitchen & Bar / Plano – 3601 Dallas Pkwy, PlanoBars & BreweriesLakewood Brewery – 2302 Executive Dr., GarlandBeyond the Bar – 101 S. Sherman Suite B, RichardsonShopsDude Sweet Chocolate – 336 W. 8th St., DallasHoly Rollie Pastry Shop – 3601 Regent Blvd., IrvingRitual Hair Co. – 3111 Canton St., #120, DallasAlphaGraphics Dallas / Downtown – 2201 Main St., DallasBanksPavillion Bank – 1200 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson