{"id":457045,"date":"2025-12-19T04:46:22","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T04:46:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/457045\/"},"modified":"2025-12-19T04:46:22","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T04:46:22","slug":"need-food-support-free-gifts-for-the-holidays-heres-a-list-of-sites-in-north-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/457045\/","title":{"rendered":"Need food support, free gifts for the holidays? Here\u2019s a list of sites in North Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many North Texas<\/a> residents struggle with food insecurity<\/a> and homelessness<\/a> every day, which can make it difficult for them to fully enjoy the holidays.<\/p>\n

According to Feeding America, Texas has the nation\u2019s highest number of hungry residents<\/a>, with North Texas reporting high rates of people in need.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a list of places around the region where individuals and families can pick up food, presents and other resources during the winter holidays.<\/p>\n

UNT Dallas drive-through food pantry<\/p>\n

Breaking News<\/p>\n

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The University of North Texas at Dallas, North Texas Food Bank and Services of Hope will distribute meals to about 1,300 families at a drive-through event on Dec. 19<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The distribution will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 7300 University Hills Blvd.<\/p>\n

The event is free to students, staff, faculty and community members and does not require registration. Food will be distributed while supplies last.<\/p>\n

The M.I.N.T. Foundation\u2019s Christmas Candyland<\/p>\n

The M.I.N.T. Foundation\u2019s gift drive will take place Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at DeSoto East Middle School, according to its website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The foundation is a nonprofit that focuses on serving people of color and supporting them in homeownership, education, career advancement and more.<\/p>\n

East Plano Islamic Center Masjid drive-through food pantry<\/p>\n

The East Plano Islamic Center Masjid hosts a \u201cHelp Your Neighbor\u201d drive-through food pantry every Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. It takes place at 4700 Star Court in Plano.<\/p>\n

The next one will be on Dec. 20.<\/p>\n

The food is distributed \u201cno questions asked and free of charge\u201d to those in need, according to its website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2018A Christmas Carol\u2019 production, food donation<\/p>\n

The Dallas Theater Center and the North Texas Food Bank have partnered to collect nonperishable food items and monetary donations<\/a> from audience members during the run of A Christmas Carol.<\/p>\n

The production will run from Nov. 28 through Dec. 27 at Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. <\/p>\n

Food donations can be left in the lobby and monetary gifts can be contributed after each performance. Tickets for the production are available at dallastheatercenter.org<\/a> or by calling (214) 522-8499.<\/p>\n

Mission Arlington free Christmas store<\/p>\n

The Mission Arlington free Christmas store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Dec. 13 through Dec. 22, excluding Sundays. It will be open from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 23, according to its website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The store gives those with monetary constraints the opportunity to find gifts for children up to age 17. It is located at 400 W. South St. in Arlington.<\/p>\n

Those interested in volunteering can show up at the store or call 817-277-6620 if they have a group to bring.<\/p>\n

More free, low-cost food options<\/p>\n

Those who are unable to make it to holiday events can still find free or low-cost food options using the resources below.<\/p>\n