Many North Texan residents struggle with food insecurity and homelessness every day, which can make it difficult for them to fully enjoy the holidays.
According to Feeding America, Texas has the nation’s highest number of hungry residents, with North Texas reporting high rates of people in need.
Here’s a list of places around the region where individuals and families can pick up food, presents and other resources during the winter holidays.
UNT Dallas drive-through food pantry
Breaking News
The University of North Texas at Dallas, North Texas Food Bank and Services of Hope will distribute meals to about 1,300 families at a drive-through event on Dec. 19.
The distribution will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 7300 University Hills Blvd.
The event is free to students, staff, faculty and community members and does not require registration. Food will be distributed while supplies last.
The M.I.N.T. Foundation’s Christmas Candyland
The M.I.N.T. Foundation’s gift drive will take place Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at DeSoto East Middle School, according to its website.
The foundation is a nonprofit that focuses on serving people of color and supporting them in homeownership, education, career advancement and more.
East Plano Islamic Center Masjid drive-through food pantry
The East Plano Islamic Center Masjid hosts a “Help Your Neighbor” drive-through food pantry every Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. It takes place at 4700 Star Court in Plano.
The next one will be on Dec. 20.
The food is distributed “no questions asked and free of charge” to those in need, according to its website.
‘A Christmas Carol’ production, food donation
The Dallas Theater Center and the North Texas Food Bank have partnered to collect nonperishable food items and monetary donations from audience members during the run of “A Christmas Carol.”
The production will run from Nov. 28 through Dec. 27 at Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre.
Food donations can be left in the lobby and monetary gifts can be contributed after each performance. Tickets for the production are available at dallastheatercenter.org or by calling (214) 522-8499.
Mission Arlington free Christmas store
The Mission Arlington free Christmas Store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Dec. 13 through Dec. 22, excluding Sundays. It will be open from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 23, according to its website.
The store gives those with monetary constraints the opportunity to find gifts for children up to age 17. It is located at 400 W South Street in Arlington.
Those interested in volunteering can show up at the store or call 817-277-6620 if they have a group to bring.
More free, low-cost food options
Those who are unable to make it to holiday events can still find free or low-cost food options using the resources below.
MLK Fresh Produce Distribution Center at 2922 MLK Blvd. hands out fresh fruit, vegetables and dry goods Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are no income or ZIP code requirements to receive resources, its website says.The Stewpot’s Second Chance Cafe at The Bridge at 1818 Corsicana St. offers three free meals a day 365 days a year, including on Thanksgiving. More information can be found here.Those who are in Bosque, Cooke, Denton, Erath, Hamilton, Hill, Hood, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant or Wise counties, search the Tarrant Area Food Bank website for food pantries.Those who are in Collin, Dallas, Delta, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, Navarro, or Rockwall counties should search the North Texas Food Bank website for food pantries.The Salvation Army of North Texas has a list of food pantry locations and operating hours here.Those who live in other places in Texas can visit the Feeding Texas website to find local food banks and food pantries.