FAQ’s: The What, When and How of Receiving Food Assistance in Denton County

*This article was written on December 10th, 2020

“At some point in everyone’s life, we all start needing a little help,” Jim Robbins.

As of today, that has never been more true.

21% of Denton County experiences food insecurity on a daily basis. That’s 1 out of 5 families. 

It is no surprise that the Coronavirus has disrupted nearly everyone’s lives in some way. But for some, the challenges of survival have outweighed the inconvenience. 

Denton Community Food Center (DCFC) is the largest food pantry in the northern Denton County area providing food assistance to families in 21 cities, 31 different zip codes, and stretching from Decatur to the Collin County line. 

That’s a lot of mouths to feed.

Thirteen years ago, DCFC mainly provided food assistance to the unemployed population. But with the population growing, and the cost of living increasing, it’s now the underemployed, or “working poor,” who find themselves unsure of where their next meal will come from.

As our economy slows with the hit of the Coronavirus outbreak in North Texas, the amount of hunger-insecure families is even greater.

Here are the things you need to know if you find yourself needing a little bit of help:

1. When is the Denton Community Food Center open?

Denton Community Food Center (DCFC) is currently open 2 days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3 pm, and located at 306 N. Loop 288, Ste. 400 in Denton. These days and times will remain until the end of the winter season to ensure goods can be distributed in the afternoon warmth. 

2. How many times can I receive food from DCFC?

As of right now, families can visit DCFC every other week to receive groceries. This equates to roughly 24-26 visits within the year. The amount and quantity of goods you are provided with are geared to sustain families in-between visits. 

If you are unable to make ends meet in-between visits, there are numerous other food pantries in Denton County that can offer food assistance as well.

3. What do I need in order to qualify for food assistance at DCFC?

To receive food, you will need a valid photo ID, that shows your name matching your current address. If your name doesn’t match the address listed on your ID, you’ll need to provide a lease agreement or bill that verifies your address. 

Due to the COVID-19 effects, there are no income, residency, or family size qualifications at this time. 

4. Can I pick and choose the food items I receive?

Due to the increase and surge of families needing food assistance, the Denton Community Food Center has had to adapt their previous client choice model into a standardized distribution of goods for each family. In other words, families do not have the flexibility to pick and choose the products they’d like to receive. 

The standard allocation is a well-balanced assortment of goods including:

• Canned goods

• Boxed goods

• Cereal

• Protein (which varies based on availability) 

• Produce boxes (provided by local farmers as well as retail fruits and vegetables)

• Bread sac 

Each load averages between 88-120 pounds and is structured to sustain families for about a week. You will also be asked if you’d like eggs, milk, dog or cat food, as well as diapers (when and if DCFC has them in stock). 

Food allotments cannot be based on family size at this time, so everyone will receive the same allocation of groceries.

5. What does it look like to receive food from Denton County Community Center?

Denton Community Food Center operates a fully functioning and safe drive-thru experience. You stay in your vehicle, wear your mask, and open your trunk for volunteers to place in your food. 

Due to the high demand and reduced hours of operations, you can expect to be in the drive-thru line for about 20-45 minutes on a normal day. 

6. I am quarantining at home and can’t leave to get my own food. Can I send someone to pick up my food for me?

Individuals who are unable to leave their homes are able to send an agent (a friend, neighbor, or family member) to the Denton Community Food Center to pick up goods on their behalf. 

If you are sending someone to collect your food on your behalf, you will need to provide them with your photo ID, and a letter that authorizes that person to pick up your food. Without a letter of consent, your agent will not be able to pick up your goods. 

Remember, we all find ourselves needing a helping hand at times. 

Let the community of Denton do what it does best and come alongside you in your moment of need.