Dallas-area food pantries feel pinch in faltering economy

For faith-based groups serving those in need, it seems that one bad thing is leading to another – and another, and another.

 

Skyrocketing gasoline and food prices are putting a squeeze on low-income people, particularly the working poor. More and more are seeking help from churches and other faith-based charities.

"The church is the first place that many people turn to when they're in trouble," said Jan Pruitt, chief executive officer for the North Texas Food Bank.

Members of the congregations that donate to support food pantries and emergency assistance centers are feeling the pinch, too.

In fact, nearly half of Christian adults have reduced their charitable donations in the faltering economy, according to a national survey done at the end of May for Dallas-based Dunham and Co., a Christian fundraising consultant. The price of gasoline (49 percent of respondents) and increased food prices (22 percent) were cited as primary reasons for cutting back on giving. People older than 55 – who tend to give more – were most affected by the downturn.

Crossroads Community Services, a food pantry and emergency assistance program of First United Methodist Church in downtown Dallas, is feeling the pinch.

"We've seen a 68 percent decrease in individual donor contributions so far this year, compared to last year," said Gregg Alan Smith, the ministry's community relations coordinator.

At the same time, rising fuel prices are making it tougher for food distribution centers, like the North Texas Food Bank, to collect and distribute food. Same with volunteers – many are retirees on fixed incomes – who regularly drive to grocery stores or bakeries to collect donated food.

"The cost of food and transportation is making it harder for families to stretch their limited budgets to cover everything," said Michael Fleisher, executive director of Jewish Family Services in Dallas. The agency is seeing more people turning up at the food pantry or asking for emergency financial aid.

"We have seen a huge spike in the number of individuals that are requesting assistance," said Chris Simmons, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in South Dallas.

"We're seeing a lot of first-time individuals – people who never thought they would need benevolence. They've lost their jobs or just can't make ends meet." Many are paring food budgets, he said, to buy gasoline or pay high utility bills.

Cornerstone's homeless feeding program, which he estimates is serving 30 percent to 35 percent more meals than last year, has to draw on supplies from the church's food pantry to meet demand.

"Right now we're just relying on individuals and other churches to assist us," said Mr. Simmons. "We try to stretch our resources as far as we can."

Hard times, however, have also spurred generosity. While food donations are down a bit, the Food Bank says that cash donations are up slightly.

"I'm not having to try to convince people of the need anymore," said Ms. Pruitt. "The public understands now that people are working and still not making ends meet."

Carla Robinson, a board member of Brother Bill's Helping Hand, a Christian ministry and food pantry in West Dallas, happened to mention the pinch to an acquaintance who had never heard of the ministry. The woman organized a group of her friends and went shopping, purchasing $4,500 of food and other items, which they donated to the ministry's food pantry.

Little "miracles" like that, said Ms. Robinson, are why she keeps volunteering at Brother Bill's, year after year.

"I've always been amazed," she said, "by how God has provided."

The North Texas Food Bank reports that many member agencies – 75% are faith-based – have more new clients seeking food assistance. For example:

North Dallas Shared Ministries: recently had 40 new families requesting assistance in one day.

Central Dallas Ministries: had to shorten food pantry hours because supplies were low.

Brother Bill's Helping Hand: reported an increase of 15 to 20 percent in food pantry traffic over this time last year.

Crossroads Community Center (a ministry of First United Methodist in downtown Dallas): reported longer lines and is turning people away daily.

Mary Jacobs