Denton Community Food Center

We are The Food Group — a group of six undergraduate students. Our goal is to bring awareness to the issue of food insecurity in Denton County and raise $1,000. Our fundraiser is supporting the Denton Community Food Center. This organization is a food pantry with a mission to combat food insecurity and provide emergency food assistance to needy families and individuals.

According to Feeding America, nearly five million people, with about 1.7m being children, are facing hunger and food insecurity in Texas. Food insecure individuals in Denton County make up about 2.3% of this total, which may not seem like that much. However, that's still 114,180 people who struggle with hunger, which is staggering to think about. Texas is one of the top states for food insecurity, which is why advocating for change and mitigating against this issue is of the utmost importance.

In an article, CBS News, using statistics from Prosperity Now, reported that since 2019, lots of Americans are often just one paycheck away from financial crisis, and you may know someone who has experienced this, is experiencing it right now, or is dangerously close. Food insecurity often comes with financial crisis, which is exactly what these organizations try to mitigate. With a donation of as little as $10, this food pantry is able to get $60-$70 worth of food from the Tarrant Area Food Bank. DCFC purchases 70% of its food via cash donations, which is then able to provide households with enough food to last a family of four a week.

This organization's clients are living proof of how critical the offered services are, making it deserving of all the support we can provide. Take Sarah, a former client who depended on DCFC in a time of dire need. Her story comes straight from the organization's website itself. Volunteers at the pantry not only provided her with sustenance, but also offered a listening ear and words of encouragement. Sarah now volunteers at the center, paying forward the kindness she once received.

When we first formed our group and decided we wanted to raise money for this cause, we weren't sure how to begin. But throughout this campaign so far, we have been recognizing our previous biases, utilizing resources to learn from, and determining the best way we can help the Denton Community Food Center. You can help too — even just a dollar is a step in the right direction!

However, if money is a concern right now, there are other ways to spread our message. Volunteering is always a great option and there are many opportunities within DCFC. Our group, as well as those who rely on this organization, would also highly appreciate a share of any kind. We hope that with our campaign, we can teach the community about being civically engaged the way those in need may teach us.

If you are in need of food or want to learn more, please visit the website at this link:

Denton Community Food Center Website

Sources:

Feeding America

What Hunger Looks Like in Texas

Hunger and Poverty Map

CBS News, Prosperity Now

Many Americans One Step Away From Crisis

Denton Community Food Center (linked above)

Hello! Our names are Elijah Horton and Jesse Harris, and we are reaching out with a hopeful spirit. We are creating this GoFundMe to help with food insecurities that are affecting families and individuals in the community. The organization that we want to donate to is the Denton Community Food Center. Denton Community Food Center's mission is to provide emergency food assistance from a central community storehouse to needy families and individuals in the City of Denton and Northern Denton County struggling with hunger insecurity (Food Pantry | Denton Community Food Center | Texas, n.d..). They started their mission in 1974 and have been providing their services for 50 years.

How your support will help the community:

• Reduce food insecurity.

• Stock up on nutritional food for daily meals.

• Help families and individuals have food for the month.

I have personally experienced food insecurity. When I was attending school in Florida, I did not have a scholarship, so I had to take out loans for school. I also had an apartment and car note at the time as well, so I was struggling to get food for myself. I would go without eating sometimes due to the lack of knowledge about food centers. So, I was incredibly grateful to have a food center to help me with my struggles. I did not have to worry about missing meals anymore. Americans are struggling to afford enough food in their households. One out of every eight American adults is struggling to afford enough food (USAFacts, 2024). Even if you cannot give much, every dollar counts and can help feed people. If you cannot give anything, sharing this page with your friends or family would mean a lot to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your compassion. If you need more information about Denton Community Food Center, I have attached the links in my description as well.

Resources:

Food Pantry | Denton Community Food Center | Texas. (n.d.). dentoncfc.org. https://www.dentoncfc.org/

USAFacts. (2024, February 5). Americans are struggling to afford enough food. USAFacts. https://usafacts.org/articles/food-insecurity-in-the-us/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ND-Economy&msclkid=f58cdd23e36916714de6bad0c178e973&utm_term=food%20insecurity%20in%20the%20us&utm_content=Food%20Insecurity

EVERY DAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR SOMEONE

Feed the nest and help us all make a difference! Feed the Nest is a service-learning team from the University of North Texas, integrating meaningful community service with instruction and reflection, while experiencing the value of civic responsibility and how it strengthens communities. We have chosen to bring awareness to the issue of food insecurity and wish to help the Denton Community Food Center increase their food supply to meet the community needs.

The Social Issue of Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is an official term from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), defined as "a lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active and healthy life." Forty-seven million people (including 14 million children) experience food insecurity annually. (https://www.feedingamerica.org). Texas has a higher food insecurity rate than the national average, with more than 1 in 6 households reported as food insecure, and nearly 5.1 million Texans at risk for hunger. Unfortunately, Texas has become the leading state in food insecurity, recently surpassing California. (https://www.feedingtexas.org).

(Texas Food Insecurity)

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/mpact-Diagram-of-Food-Security_fig3_346012915

Hunger and poor nutrition are the greatest threats to health. Food insecurity is detrimental to children and can have a lifetime effect. Even short-term hunger episodes, not to mention only having non-nutritious food options, can cause lasting child development damage. It can contribute to chronic diseases such as asthma, anemia, and obesity, among other conditions, due to a lower quality diet.

One of our own team members has experienced food insecurity first-hand, and has endured the consequences of how it can affect the life of a child and beyond. As our team member relayed:

“Growing up in a family of four with a single mother, I faced significant challenges due to financial struggles. My mother worked tirelessly to provide for my two siblings and me, but often she could only afford the cheapest, most non-nutritious foods. Many meals consisted of Vienna sausages and ramen noodles, leaving us with constant food insecurities. This situation took a toll on our health, as we struggled with our weight for years, affected by the limited and unhealthy food options available to us.”

The Wonders of the Denton Community Food Center

The Denton Community Food Center (DCFC) addresses hunger insecurity in Northern Denton County. According to Serve Denton, 21% of the Denton County residents are food insecure, meaning they don’t know where their next meal will come from. And the number of people facing hunger in Denton County grew 26% from 2021 to 2022! The DCFC’s services are vital in relieving this problem, especially with the ongoing economic instability and population increases. Without organizations like DCFC, many families, including those with school-aged children, would face greater hardships impacting their health, education, and ability to thrive.

Since 1974, DCFC’s mission has been to provide emergency food assistance from a central community storehouse to needy families and individuals in the City of Denton and Northern Denton County. Since March of 2020, DCFC has served 59,157 families in this endeavor, who qualify by USDA/TDA standards. According to their program, each qualified household receives approximately enough food to feed a family of four for one week. Each family can visit DCFC once a month. (https://www.Dentoncfc.org).

According to Mike Paulson (Vice Chair, Board of Directors) and Dallas Newell (Volunteer Coordinator), DCFC is a non-profit organization that has been in operation for the last 50 years and is strictly 100% volunteer-based, which sets them apart from other organizations. DCFC relies heavily on monetary donations, as well as support from the Tarrant Area Food Bank. Not only does DCFC provide food for those in need, but they also allocate items for the homeless, allowing them to serve two needs in the community.

Mike Paulson further explains that DCFC does not look at opportunities as “fundraising” but instead as “friendraising." This reference invites a real community to support an organization such as this.

(The Spirit Of Denton Community Food Center)

Critical Issue Facing the Aid for Denton County and How We Can Help

For the past 42 years, the North Texas Food Bank and the Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB) have jointly served neighbors facing hunger in Denton County. On August 14, 2024, the two food banks announced that they have agreed to transition the support of Denton County entirely to the TAFB on January 1, 2025. This decision came after two years of research and evaluation on the best way to close the hunger gap in Denton County. (https://tafb.org/news/transition-of-denton-county-services/).

With this upcoming important change, there are some major concerns if TAFB can keep up with the needs of the DCFC all by itself. Monetary support will be crucial during this transition and for future success. Cash donations are the most versatile, as they enable DCFC to buy the food items they need. DCFC purchases 70% of its food from cash donations. For every $10 donated, $60-$70 of food from TAFB can be purchased. But since TAFB will soon be the sole support for Denton County, this supply will be heavily challenged, and DCFC may need extra funds to handle the burden.

So this is how we can help! Our donations will allow DCFC to continue its work of ensuring no community member goes hungry and alleviating food insecurity for Denton families. This great work not only meets the immediate needs of Denton County, but also contributes to the long-term stability and well-being of the community as a whole.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY! HELP US FEED THE NEST!

For more information about the Denton Community Food Center:

Website: https://www.dentoncfc.org/

Address: 306 N. Loop 288 #400, Denton, Texas 76209-4887

Hello! We are Deuce Taylor, Hayden Witzel, Jonathan Siv, and Vincent Taylor. Currently, we are all students in the BAAS 3000 course, and we are looking to raise money for the Denton Community Food Center.

Food insecurity is the lack of reliable access to nutritious meals, which affects 1 in 6 Denton residents. Food insecurity does not discriminate. Children, seniors, and struggling families all fall victim to this issue. The Denton Community Food Center combats this not only by providing food pantries and meal kits but also by offering nutrition education. Since March 2020, they have helped 63,651 families against the issue of food insecurity. With your support, we can try and put an end to food insecurity that happens amongst your community in the city of Denton.

Denton Community Food Center (DCFC) and Why We Care

The Denton Community Food Center (DCFC) is a local nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity by providing meals and pantry essentials to individuals and families in need across Denton. Food insecurity remains a critical social issue because it affects every aspect of life, from health to academic and professional success. In fact, according to Feeding America (2022), approximately 14% of households in Denton County struggle with consistent access to food. By addressing this issue, DCFC helps ensure children and adults receive the nourishment they need to thrive. All money raised will directly support the DCFC’s ongoing efforts to stock their pantry, acquire fresh produce, and distribute nutritious meals—giving hope to countless families in our community without pledging funds to any specific event.

We, the BAAS students at the University of North Texas—Nikolas Del Rosario, Evan Frewin, and Cameron Flores—felt compelled to champion this cause because food insecurity has touched our own lives. Evan, for example, has a cousin who is a single mother struggling to feed her child, demonstrating how a lack of resources can profoundly impact daily life. By contributing to our fundraiser, you’re helping DCFC address similar hardships right here in Denton. To learn more or get involved, visit dentoncfc.org. Let’s stand together and ensure our neighbors in Denton never have to worry about their next meal.

Support Denton County and Make a Difference This Holiday Season

We're reaching out to the Denton County community, local businesses, and residents with a heartfelt request: help us feed our neighbors, friends, children, and vulnerable individuals facing food insecurity. As we enter the holiday season, there's no better time than now to give back by making sure no family goes hungry.

We're collecting donations to support the Denton Community Food Center (DCFC), a vital nonprofit in our area. Since 1974, DCFC has served as the largest food bank in northern Denton County, reaching 21 towns and 31 zip codes, extending as far west as Decatur and as far east as Collin County (Serve Denton, 2020). This remarkable organization, run entirely by volunteers, provides food and support to those in need – families, children, and individuals right here in our community.

Why Your Donation Matters

Your support has an incredible impact: a $10 donation allows DCFC to purchase $60–$80 worth of food, enough for approximately 50 meals! Imagine how many families you can help by giving just a little.

Food insecurity is a growing problem. In Texas, 1 in 8 people face uncertainty about their next meal, including many who are employed but still can’t make ends meet. In Denton County alone, 13% of residents struggle to access nutritious, affordable food. Rising costs and housing expenses make it even tougher. When you donate, you’re not just feeding people – you’re giving hope and stability to families in crisis.

The Human Side of Hunger

Food insecurity isn’t just a statistic; it’s affecting the people we know. The face of food insecurity could be a child in your child’s class, a coworker, or a neighbor. One Denton mother shared that she often skips meals so her children can eat – stories like hers show the strength of our community and why we must support each other.

How Food Insecurity Affects Lives

Hunger impacts every part of life, from physical health to mental well-being. Children facing hunger struggle in school, and working adults lose productivity due to stress and poor health. Food insecurity creates a cycle of hardship that is difficult to break, and with your help, DCFC is here to provide the lifeline our neighbors need.

Campaign Goals and How You Can Help

We’re aiming to raise $3,000 for the Denton Community Food Center. Every dollar you donate will go directly to providing food and resources for those who need it most. Beyond financial support, we encourage you to spread the word, share this campaign, and invite others to join our effort.

We’re also seeking community partnerships with local businesses, schools, and organizations to strengthen our impact. Together, we can build a powerful network of supporters who respond quickly to community needs.

Join Us in Making a Difference

By donating, sharing our campaign, or volunteering, you become part of the solution. Let’s work together to support Denton County families in need, to give every child, parent, and individual the dignity of a full, nourishing meal. This holiday season, let’s make sure everyone in our community has something to be thankful for.

Fighting Food Insecurity in Denton County

Food insecurity, the struggle to access enough nutritious food, impacts millions across the U.S., with an estimated 34 million people facing hunger daily. This issue is especially prevalent in Texas, where over 4 million Texans worry about when their next meal will come. For many, it’s not just about putting food on the table but about accessing food that can sustain and nourish them properly.

In Denton County alone, the numbers are just as concerning, with 13% of residents facing food insecurity. This means families in our neighborhoods, including children, working adults, and the elderly often lack the resources to afford balanced, healthy meals. For children, this can lead to lifelong health and developmental challenges, while adults may struggle with job performance, mental health, and other stresses.

The causes are complex, ranging from poverty and unemployment to systemic inequities, high living costs, and even unexpected events like natural disasters that can devastate a family’s finances. With rising food prices and housing costs, even those with jobs are finding it difficult to make ends meet.

Your support can make an immediate impact in the Denton area by providing access to nutritious foods for those in need. Every donation goes toward purchases for the Denton Community Food Center, where just $10 can help provide up to 50 meals. By contributing, you’re directly supporting our neighbors and creating a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for joining us in the fight against hunger!

Location

Located at 306 N. Loop 288, Ste. 400 in Denton, TX, the Denton Community Food Center (DCFC) (940-382-0807) is dedicated to helping residents who need nutritious food. DCFC has been at the heart of the Denton community, striving to ensure that every family can access healthy meals.

Website: https://www.dentoncfc.org

References

Denton Community Food Center. (n.d.). https://www.dentoncfc.org/

Feeding America. (n.d.). Hunger and food insecurity. https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/food-insecurity

Feeding America. (n.d.). Texas. https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/texas

Gonzalez, J. (2024, September 11). A student’s journey beyond food insecurity: “I pushed myself to be proud.” Feeding America. https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-blog/students-journey-beyond-food-insecurity-i-pushed-myself-be-proud

MacAllister, Sharon. (2024, October 31). FEED THE NEST - DENTON COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/4jgZVb5NuYg?si=cMTsZa4z2oLnmWHo

North Texas Food Bank. (2022, February 18). Neighbor & Partner Agency Stories. https://ntfb.org/ntfb-neighbor-partner-agency-stories/

North Texas Giving Day. (2024). Support North Texas Food Bank on NTX giving day. https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/northtexasfoodbank

Serve Denton. (2020, December 18). The Impact Of COVID-19 On Food Insecurity In Denton County (And how Denton Community Food Center is “securing” the gap). https://www.servedenton.org/articles/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-food-insecurity-in-denton-county-and-how-denton-community-food-center-is-securing-the-gap

USDA ERS. (2024, September 4). Key Statistics & Graphics. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/key-statistics-graphics/

Help Us Fight Hunger in Our Community!

Support the Denton Community Food Center (DCFC)

Since 1974, the Denton Community Food Center has been on the front lines of the fight against hunger, serving Denton and 21 surrounding cities in Northern Denton County. As a vital food pantry, DCFC provides essential nourishment to families and individuals facing food insecurity, offering hope and relief in their times of need.

The Need is Real

Hunger is a pressing social issue with deep impacts on health, economic stability, and overall community well-being. In Texas, food insecurity affects nearly one in seven people, or about 16.9% of the population which is more than 4.5% than the U.S. average (Story, 2024). In Denton County alone, the need for emergency food support continues to rise, especially as populations grow and economic hardships persist. Households struggling with food insecurity often lack reliable access to affordable and nutritious food, which can lead to negative health outcomes such as malnutrition, developmental issues in children, and increased susceptibility to chronic illnesses (Beyene, 2023).

Your Support Matters

By contributing to this GoFundMe campaign, you are directly supporting DCFC’s mission to combat food insecurity. Every $25 donated provides a family with a week’s worth of groceries, ensuring they don’t have to choose between food and other necessities. Together, we can create a network of community members dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to the food they need.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Take Jessica, a single mom who turned to DCFC during a tough financial crisis. After losing her job, she faced impossible choices while trying to care for her children. Thanks to the fresh groceries provided by DCFC, she could focus on finding stable employment without the constant worry of putting food on the table. Jessica’s story is just one of many, illustrating the hope and support that our community can provide.

Join Us

Our goal is to raise $1,000 to continue supporting families like Jessica’s. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a tangible difference in the fight against hunger. Will you stand with us and ensure that no one in our community faces hunger alone?

To learn more about the Denton Community Food Center and how you can help, please visit dentoncfc.org/get-involved or call (940) [phone redacted]. Thank you for your generosity and support!

References

Beyene, S. D. (2023). The impact of food insecurity on health outcomes: Empirical evidence from sub-Saharan African countries. BMC Public Health, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15244-3

Story, W. (2024, September 5). New USDA Report Shows Food Insecurity Increased in Texas and Across the Nation from 2022 to 2023. Feeding Texas. https://www.feedingtexas.org/news/new-usda-report-shows-food-insecurity-increased-in-texas-and-across-the-nation-from-2022-to-2023/