Home Depot employees deliver pallets of boxed cereal to Amazing Grace Food Pantry. Courtesy Amazing Grace Food Pantry

Wylie pantry celebrates 20 years of feeding neighbors

What began in 2006 as a small community service effort has grown into a lifeline for thousands across Collin and Rockwall counties. 

Amazing Grace Food Pantry marked its 20th anniversary Friday, Feb. 27, celebrating two decades of service and a record-breaking year in which more than 3.3 million pounds of food — nearly 2.9 million meals — were distributed. 

The milestone was shared with volunteers, community leaders and supporters who have helped the north Wylie nonprofit grow from a small outreach effort into one of Collin County’s largest volunteer-run food distribution programs.

About 145 people attended the catered anniversary celebration held at the Commons at The Cross Church in Wylie. Among those present were founder Mike Ellis and his wife Karen, AGFP pantry director, along with Wylie Mayor Matthew Porter, Tracy Cline, executive director of the CUTX Charitable Foundation, board members, volunteers and community supporters.

Originally serving just eight families, the effort has grown dramatically over the past 20 years. In 2025 alone, Amazing Grace Food Pantry recorded 33,569 client visits, serving 4,273 families and providing food to more than 19,000 individuals.

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