Feeding the Hungry

AT A GLANCE: HUNGER

Through many collaborations, St. Philip’s has helped address the hunger needs of the South Dallas community it calls home for decades. South Dallas is considered a “food desert” by the City.

Our Community Pantry Update

Since opening this past August, the pantry – a collaboration between North Texas Food Bank and St. Philip’s School and Community Center – has served 3,893 families or 7,010 individuals! The pantry requires seven volunteers each day to assist our neighbors in the shopping and checkout process, Monday – Thursday and with stocking the pantry every Friday. “Our volunteers and staff make everyone feel so much respect every time they come to shop,” says Sara Gorath, Manager of Community Outreach for our community pantry. Additionally, she explains that shoppers are enjoying the comfortable environment and the selection of foods the new pantry offers.

Meals on Wheels Depot

Texas has the 7th highest rate of hunger among elderly residents in the nation.

For 28 years, St. Philip’s has partnered with Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) by serving as the only Meals on Wheels Depot in South Dallas. We deliver to 476 clients in South Dallas, ages 59 – 106. Nettie and Alton Ates and Kaye Patton are among the 200 loyal volunteers who deliver nutritious, hot meals to homebound elderly South Dallas residents deemed “the hidden hungry” each week through St. Philip’s depot.

Kaye Patton has worked two routes in Oak Cliff and South Dallas for 25 years. “There are so many wonderful people on the route. They’re my people. I have a couple who are 100 years old. Some of my friends are shocked that I do this in South Dallas by myself sometimes but I enjoy this.” Nettie Ates’ husband, Alton, volunteered by himself for a few years, but for the last four years they’ve been delivering meals together. “It’s rewarding,” says Mrs. Ates. “We enjoy it. We have clients that enjoy seeing us coming. My husband says I just like to talk and it’s true. A lot of the folks on our route just want a conversation. We look forward to volunteering every Wednesday.”

Breakfast of Champions

In partnership with Liz and Bill Farmer of the Church of the Incarnation, St. Philip’s piloted a breakfast program called “Breakfast of Champions” in January. Participating students enjoyed a nutritious meal and engaged in interactive activities, entertainment and motivational talks during breakfast. We hope to establish a full breakfast program in the School that will ensure all of our students are receiving a healthy start to their day, especially those in our Before School Care program that arrive at school as early as 6:30 am.