The Downtown Food Pantry served 20 percent of the Lamar County population in 2022.
“We saw an average of 650 families every week,” said executive director Allan Hubbard.
More than 10,460 people in 4,112 families received groceries through both the primary location just north of downtown Paris and in the five satellite pantries distributing out in smaller communities. Total pounds of groceries given out was 1.6 million which makes up about 1.3 million meals. All of it was given free.
“It’s an incredible blessing to the large numbers of people who come especially as the economy has made grocery money even tighter,” Hubbard said. “And for us to have so many faithful and generous donors to keep this thing going is just amazing.”
The pantry also in 2022 saw a large project of a completely paved parking lot come to fruition after more than three years of effort. More than 40,000 square feet of concrete was involved.
As well, more than 10,000 people on Facebook and who watch YouTube have seen a professional video produced about the pantry by local media company DeadCat.
“We want people to know our board is committed to seeing the pantry continue to do what we’ve done since 2009 when John Kirkman and others founded this operation. And that is to provide as many free groceries as we can to anyone who needs them,” Hubbard added.
Satellite pantries operate in Blossom, Chicota, Deport, Powderly and Roxton. The days and times of those satellite distributions are available on the pantry’s website: downtownfoodpantry.org.
Food is distributed every Tuesday 1:30-4:30 p.m. and Thursday 8:30-11:30 a.m. at 124 W. Cherry St. The only requirement to receive the groceries is that a person live in Lamar County. A family can “shop” every other week, or up to 26 times per year.
To volunteer or donate, Hubbard can be reached via e-mail: allan@downtownfoodpantry.org, or call 903-737-8870. Every $10 donated provides 40 meals to those in need.
PHOTO: Downtown Food Pantry operations assistant Josh Mullens and board member Jo Blackburn prepare to load a vehicle with groceries.
