With September being Hunger Action Month, numerous area clubs and resources are coming together to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action.
In conjunction with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Woman’s Thursday Club of Dublin recently collected canned food to donate to the First Methodist Church of Dublin’s food pantry.
According to Feeding America, in Erath County 14.6% of the population or 6,160 people were considered food insecure in 2021. 71% of the population is below the SNAP threshold of 165% poverty and 29% are above. An average meal cost in Erath County is $3.03 and it would take an additional $3.2 million to meet all of the food needs in the county.
In the counties that Tarrant Area Food Bank serves, one in seven people and one in four children face hunger. U.S. Government data shows that beef prices have increased by 14%, pork is up 12%, and poultry has increased by 6.6% compared to prices in December 2020.
Some resources available to those in Dublin include:
The Love Basket
First and Third Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Drive-thru food pantry located at 207 E. Elm at the Quik-Lot Storage Building.
To qualify, show up and fill out an application.
(Currently feeding more than 100 families each time: Food donations can be made at the Dublin Public Library).
First Methodist Church Food Pantry The pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the church, located at 630 Highland Avenue. One box is given each calendar month to a family of four.
Requirement is the proof of Dublin residency such as a driver’s license or mail with a Dublin address on it.
(Numbers fluctuate but recently around 20 households and 50 individuals per month: Donations are accepted by dropping them off at the church. Paper goods are especially needed!)
Erath County Meals on Wheels Home delivery service for those typically over 60 years old, home-bound or otherwise unable to prepare adequate meals.
To sign up, simply call 254- 965- 3510.
(Currently seeking volunteers for Dublin routes on Monday, Thursday and Friday in Dublin – also need substitute drivers. They currently provide meals to more than 35 people in Dublin).
Tarrant Area Food Bank First Thursday of every month at 5 p.m. First Baptist Church.
Must be a Dublin resident.