Jewish Family Service of Dallas

Who Can Visit?

The JFS Dallas Food Pantry is open to anyone in need, regardless of religion or ability to pay. It serves families and individuals across 23 Dallas-area ZIP codes. You'll need to schedule an appointment before your first visit. You can call 972-437-9950 or register online through their website to get started.

How to Register?

To get started, leave a message on their confidential voicemail with your name, phone number, and the type of service you're requesting. The team will call or email you back within 1 to 2 business days to discuss next steps.

Good to Know

The pantry is a client-choice pantry, so you get to pick the food you want rather than receiving a pre-packed bag. Reviewers say the amount of food given out is very generous and that the pantry is well stocked. One visitor shared that you need to schedule ahead of time because slots fill up quickly, so it's a good idea to call or go online early. The staff and volunteers are known for being friendly and welcoming.

Food & Essentials

The pantry provides a wide variety of items. You can expect to find meat, dairy products, and eggs along with shelf-stable staples like canned proteins, nut butter and jelly, shelf-stable milk, condiments and spices, cereal, mac and cheese, and snack foods. Kosher options are available in Margot's Kosher Corner of the Food Pantry for clients who keep kosher. The pantry also distributes hygiene products like shampoo, soap, and toilet paper, as well as diapers and wipes, and cleaning supplies.

How to Pick Up

JFS Dallas runs a client-choice pantry, which means you walk through the shelves and choose the food you'd like to take home. There are limits on certain items, like cans of soup and vegetables, but visitors say the selection and generosity are very good.

Additional Support

JFS Dallas offers a wide range of services beyond food. These include career coaching with one-on-one support for job searches, resume building, and financial education. Behavioral health services are available for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Primary medical care is offered at the JFS Parkside Health Center, which you can reach by calling 469-780-4590. Kosher home-delivered meals are available to older adults aged 60 and up who live in Dallas County and have difficulty cooking or shopping for themselves. The PLAN program provides support for adults living with severe mental illness through a clubhouse community and peer support. The organization also provides financial coaching, life skills support, and referrals to other community resources.

Ways to Give

You can support the JFS Dallas Food Pantry in several ways. Financial donations can be made online at jfsdallas.org/donate-now. The pantry welcomes donations of shelf-stable, unopened, and unexpired food, which you can drop off at the front desk during regular building hours (Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm; Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm). The most needed food pantry items include canned proteins, nut butter and jelly, shelf-stable milk, condiments and spices, cereal, mac and cheese, and snack foods. You can also donate hygiene products, diapers, and cleaning supplies. Donations can also be sent through the Amazon Wish List or via a donor-advised fund through Chariot. If you want to make a bigger impact, you can host a supply drive in your neighborhood, school, or workplace. Please do not leave bags of food or other items unattended on the property.

How to Join the Team?

JFS Dallas welcomes volunteers of all ages. Individual volunteers ages 18 and older need to create an account on VolunteerHub, complete a background check, and attend an orientation before signing up for shifts. You can create an account and browse ongoing opportunities at jfsdallas.volunteerhub.com. Children ages 12 and older can volunteer in the Food Pantry with a parent. Teenagers ages 15 and older can volunteer on their own without a parent present. Corporate groups, schools, and community organizations can also arrange group volunteer days. If you have questions, you can email volunteers@jfsdallas.org.