City of Dallas joins forces with community partners to provide food for over 1,300 families during major holiday event

Dallas, Texas – A powerful community effort is coming together in South Dallas, where the City of Dallas, University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas County, and the North Texas Food Bank are teaming up to host a large-scale drive-thru food pantry event aimed at helping families in need during the holiday season. The event is scheduled for Friday, December 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., on the campus of UNT Dallas at 7300 University Hills Boulevard.

Over 1,300 Families to Receive Food Assistance

This joint initiative is expected to serve approximately 1,300 families, providing much-needed support ahead of the holidays. The City of Dallas and Dallas County have each made a significant financial commitment to this cause, with a combined $2 million investment to assist struggling households across the region.

Distribution will begin at 9:00 a.m., and media representatives will be able to capture interviews and footage during the 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. window, as elected officials roll up their sleeves and help hand out food directly to residents.

“The City of Dallas and Dallas County have jointly invested $2 million to support families in need,” event organizers shared, emphasizing the deep commitment local leadership is showing toward alleviating food insecurity.

Local Leaders and Community Partners Lend a Hand

Among those expected to attend and assist in the distribution are elected officials from the city, county, and state, standing side by side with volunteers and members of the North Texas Food Bank. The event will also feature Annam Manthiram, Chief Engagement Officer for the North Texas Food Bank, and Sarah Burns, Vice President of External Affairs, both of whom will be present to support the effort and engage with attendees.

This food distribution is part of an ongoing commitment by regional partners to serve communities hardest hit by economic challenges. The collaboration highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing basic needs and ensuring no family is left without support—especially during times of year that can be financially difficult for many.

As cars line up at UNT Dallas for the event, the message is clear: in Dallas, helping others is a shared responsibility, and leaders at every level are stepping up to meet the moment.