February 16, 2018
I love volunteering with my family. We try to volunteer together whenever possible, and have several special service projects we look forward to every year. With a long weekend for Winter Break, my 16-year-old son and I signed up for a shift in the Food Pantry at Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas. We enjoyed a tour of the facility and a visit with the volunteer coordinator. We spent the next two hours stocking shelves with staples, trying not to get in the way of the shoppers and volunteer assistants. We were amazed at the variety of items in the small grocery store and storage area above, and in the efficiency of the operation.
Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas (JFS) is a nonsectarian mental health and social services agency that impacts more than 13,000 lives a year. For more than 65 years, JFS has welcomed those in need regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or the ability to pay. Their mission is to provide professional, effective, and affordable mental health and social services that promote lifelong self-sufficiency and well-being for anyone in need.
The Jewish Family Service Food Pantry is an affiliate of the North Texas Food Bank, providing food for qualified families and individuals in 20 North Dallas and Carrollton zip codes.
The Food Pantry is open by appointment on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Individuals are able to choose food items just as they would in a grocery store. Home delivery for the home-bound or disabled individuals is also available.
Volunteers are asked to first fill out an application. One person may complete the application for all members in a group. Volunteers may work in the Food Pantry, or in a variety of other roles. Individuals and groups are also needed for one-time special events. Students 16 years and older are encouraged to apply for the Internship Program.