Your Neighbor’s House announces free program for seniors, seeks donations

As a distribution partner with North Texas Food Bank, Whitesboro’s Your Neighbor’s House food pantry is now participating in a Senior Program. This program, called Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), is funded by the Department of Agriculture to support low-income seniors. This community-impactful program is specifically designed to provide area seniors with free, nutritious, shelf-stable food.

Because Your Neighbor’s House operates as a drop-site partner, seniors can pick up their boxes directly at the pantry location during regular distribution times. The program began in July and served 88 seniors in its first month.

According to Texas Health and Human Services, elder economic security data tracked by groups like Meals On Wheels Texas estimates that 47.4% of single seniors and 22.2% of senior couples in Texas lack the sufficient income required to pay for basic living needs like food, housing and healthcare. That’s why programs like this are so critical to the senior population.

With this program, eligible seniors receive a monthly package of about 30-35 pounds of shelf-stable USDA foods like rice, beans, cereal, canned goods, shelf-stable milk and proteins.

To qualify, recipients must be at least 60 years old, have a household income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level and live in Grayson, Dallas, Collin, Fannin or Hunt county.

To apply for the CSFP, individuals must bring a government-issued photo ID. For more information, call Your Neighbors House at 903-564-4400.

Your Neighbors House Food Pantry & Thrift Store is a non-profit community food pantry that has been providing food assistance to families in the West Grayson County area since 2005. Run by volunteers, Your Neighbors House provides food assistance to approximately 225 to 260 families a month, and receives 15 to 20 requests a month for new applicants.

Its thrift shop is stocked with donated items from neighbors in the community and open to the public for shopping.  All proceeds from the Thrift Store go directly to stocking the food pantry.

Currently, the food pantry is in need of canned meats and hearty soups, peanut butter and jelly, breakfast foods and boxed meals. Donations can be dropped off at 109 Chestnut in Whitesboro. Monetary contributions can be made at yourneighborshouse.org and other needs can be found on the organization’s Amazon wish list. 

“Because of your generosity, families facing hardships have found meals on their tables and relief in their hearts. Seniors living alone have received nutritious staples. Children have enjoyed healthy snacks and school supplies. Our thrift store has provided affordable clothing and household goods, while also funding pantry operations. Every act of kindness you’ve offered has multiplied into blessings for our neighbors. You are the hands and feet of this mission,” said Director Connie Lloyd. “On behalf of our entire team, thank you for supporting this ministry. Your generosity is a living testimony of compassion in action. May God bless you abundantly for the love you share.”