Richardson ISD is hosting a food drive in support of the Network of Community Ministries as the longest Federal Government shutdown in U.S. history squeezes North Texans.
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Images
The Federal Government has been shut down since midnight Sept. 30 following Congressional gridlock over funding legislation. Entering its 37th day on Nov. 6, the shutdown has surpassed the 2018-19 shutdown as the longest in U.S. history, leaving Federal employees furloughed and SNAP benefits in question. North Texas food banks — including the Network of Community Ministries’ pantry division — are experiencing higher levels of demand as a result.
In response to the heightened strain on resources facing its partner nonprofit, Richardson ISD is hosting a Stock the Shelves Donation Drive beginning Nov. 3. Boxed or canned food donations can be dropped off at each Richardson ISD campus or office during the time frame, with the district aiming to collect 10,000 pounds of food by Nov. 17, the last day of the campaign.
RISD has published an Amazon Wish List of items needed, and has asked that no glass containers be donated.
The Network has ramped up operations in recent weeks as need grows and grows. Aside from offering dry goods, its food pantry essentially operates as a full-service grocery with a dairy section and meat refrigerators. If neighbors are looking to donate meat or dairy products, the organization is accepting donations at its Richardson facility.
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Austin Wood is the Lake Highlands editor for The Advocate. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University, where he wrote for The Daily Toreador. A lifelong resident of Lake Highlands, Austin loves learning about the neighborhood’s history and hidden gems. You can email him at awood@advocatemag.com