The Parker County Center for Hope, a food pantry in North Texas, is seeing the highest demand for food in its 26-year history. Due to rising inflation and population growth, the need for food assistance has jumped by 40% each year over the last two years.
Empty Shelves Lead To Urgent Call For Help
On Monday, Staci Markwardt, CEO of Parker County Center for Hope, shared photos of completely empty shelves at the pantry, a situation they’ve never faced before. “When I saw the shelves bare for the first time, I thought, ‘What does this mean for us? Will we have to turn people away?’ But I knew we couldn’t let that happen,” she explained.
She quickly posted a plea for help on social media, asking the community for support during this challenging time.
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Community Steps Up To Help
The response was swift and heartwarming. Shortly after the post, local residents began arriving at the pantry with donations of food, money, and even offers to volunteer. By the next day, Markwardt shared new photos showing the shelves fully stocked once again.
“It was amazing to see the community come together. The outpouring of love and support was overwhelming, and it just goes to show how people are willing to help their neighbors in need,” Markwardt said.
A Growing Need For Long-Term Solutions
While the immediate response has been incredible, Markwardt stressed that this surge in demand isn’t just a short-term issue. With more families moving into the area and inflation still a challenge, the pantry will continue to face high levels of need.
The pantry provides enough food for an entire month to families who come in for help, which is a lifeline for many. Markwardt emphasized that they will need ongoing support to keep up with the rising demand.
“We are so thankful for the community’s help, but the need is only getting bigger. We must find long-term solutions to keep feeding families,” she said.
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How You Can Help?
The Parker County Center for Hope welcomes donations, volunteers, and financial support year-round. As more families face food insecurity, the pantry relies on the community to help provide meals to those in need. To get involved, people are encouraged to donate or offer their time to keep the pantry running smoothly.
Markwardt’s call for help is a reminder that food insecurity is a growing issue, and together, the community can make a difference.
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