Martin Luther King Junior Center - Food Distribution Center

Who Can Visit?

The MLK Fresh Produce Distribution Center is open to all age groups. The pantry is operated by MILES of Freedom in partnership with the City of Dallas MLK, Jr. Community Center. If you have questions about eligibility, you can call MILES of Freedom at 214-290-2337.

Food & Essentials

The pantry focuses on fresh produce distribution and provides food boxes as well as snack packs to visitors. Reviewers have specifically mentioned fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and food boxes. The pantry also distributes clothing, hygiene kits, and snack packs throughout the year. Suggested nonperishable donation items listed on the website include Vienna sausages, canned tuna, potted meat, crackers, granola bars, chips, bottled water and juice, powdered drink mix, and individually wrapped pastries, which gives a sense of the types of shelf-stable goods that also circulate through the center.

How to Pick Up

When you arrive at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center at 2922 MLK, Jr. Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215, you can pick up your food during the pantry's open hours. The food pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visitors have noted that long lines are to be expected, and helpful staff and security are present during distribution.

Good to Know

Reviewers have mentioned that long lines are common, so arriving early is a good idea. One visitor noted it helps if staff set up before visitors arrive so wait times are shorter in rain or heat. Food boxes and snack packs are available during distribution.

Additional Support

The MLK Center offers a wide range of extra services beyond food. These include:

• Free legal aid from the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, available every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Registration begins at 4:00 p.m. and attorneys will see the first 30 people in line. There is also a virtual clinic every Thursday at https://tinyurl.com/DVAPClinic. For questions, call 214-243-2236.
• Free tax help is available on-site (as noted in announcements at the center).
• Utility bill assistance (electric, water, gas) and housing support through the City of Dallas Social Services program. Call the intake line at 214-670-8416 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Health services through the Foremost Family Health Center on campus, which provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and specialty health services.
• Nonprofit organizations may set up a vendor table at no cost during the food pantry distribution each Tuesday (with prior approval) to share informational resources, hygiene items, or snacks.
• The center also provides snack packs, hygiene kits, and clothing throughout the year to community members.

Ways to Give

There are many ways to support the MLK Center and the food pantry. You can donate nonperishable food items such as Vienna sausages, canned tuna, potted meat, crackers, granola bars, chips, bottled water and juice, powdered drink mix, and individually wrapped pastries. New clothing items like socks, underwear, flip flops, sneakers, and t-shirts are also welcome. Hygiene products in travel size, including soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, personal wipes, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and body spray, are on the suggested list as well. Children's and adult diapers and Lysol spray are also needed. The center does not accept perishable food items or used clothing. For questions about donations, call 214-670-8418 or visit dallasmlkcenter.com/donate.

How to Join the Team?

Volunteers are always welcome at the MLK Fresh Produce Distribution Center. Volunteer shifts at the food pantry start every Tuesday at 10 a.m. For details, contact Crystal Petty at 214-290-2337. If you'd like to volunteer for other events and programs at the center, complete the volunteer form at https://forms.gle/qooabm4bDtZvoZce8. For general volunteer questions, call 214-670-8417 or email natashia.cooper@dallas.gov.