Who Can Visit?
Now-Forward (formerly known as North Dallas Shared Ministries), serves anyone living in the Dallas area who needs food. You must live in their Primary Service Area or Dallas County to receive food assistance. You'll need to register on your first visit and present proof of residence.
How to Register?
When you come for the first time, bring proof of your address. You'll register at the pantry during your visit before receiving food.
Items Needed for Registration
Bring proof of your residence when you come for the first time.
How Often You Can Visit?
Households can receive food once a week.
Good to Know
A special Friday FoodBasket program is available for adults aged 60 and older, running Fridays from 8:00 AM to Noon. The food pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to Noon. One reviewer noted there was an excellent variety of groceries and that they had to turn some items away because they couldn't carry it all.
Food & Essentials
Now-Forward provides households with a variety of food items and also distributes diapers. Reviewers have described a wide variety of nutritious options and noted name-brand groceries are often available.
Now-Forward also offers free clothes, shoes, and accessories for adults and children through their Clothes Closet. To use the Clothes Closet, you must be 18 or older, live in the Primary Service Area or Dallas County, register at your first visit, and bring a photo ID, Medicaid card, or birth certificate for each household member.
How to Pick Up
Visitors come to the pantry during open hours and choose their own food items. One reviewer described being able to pick from a well-organized space with a wide variety of nutritious options, making it easy to find exactly what you need. Clothes Closet visitors can also make their own selections with the help of staff and volunteers.
Additional Support
Now-Forward offers a wide range of services beyond food:
- Free tax preparation: Staff help you file your federal income tax return at no charge. No appointment is required during tax season (January 28 through April 15, Tuesday through Friday 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM). Call 214-370-9353 for more information.
- Free ESL classes: Evening conversational English classes for adults 18 and older are held Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Texts and workbooks are provided.
- School uniforms and supplies: Families can receive school uniforms and a full set of school supplies for children in Pre-K through 12th grade. Reviewers noted that you can pick the uniforms when you arrive and that items are well organized and free.
- Free medical care: The medical clinic serves uninsured patients in the Primary Service Area (Addison, Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, and Plano). For medical and counseling questions, contact medical@now-forward.org.
- Free dental care: Adult teeth cleanings are available at no cost by appointment on Thursdays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Call 214-358-8729 to schedule.
- Free vision care: Eye care services are available for those who qualify.
- Mental health counseling: Counseling services are offered on-site.
- Rent and utility assistance: Financial assistance for rent and utilities is available to those in the Primary Service Area who qualify.
Ways to Give
Now-Forward welcomes financial donations, which go directly to providing goods and services to clients. You can donate online by credit card through PayPal or send a check to:
Now-Forward 2875 Merrell Road Dallas, TX 75229
For stock donations, Qualified Charitable Distributions from a retirement account, Donor Advised Fund grants, employer gift matches, or planned giving, contact Judy Rorrie, Executive Director, at judy@now-forward.org or 214-358-8787.
You can also host a food drive, clothing drive, coat drive, or gleaning drive to collect donations for the community. Learn more at now-forward.org.
How to Join the Team?
Volunteers are the heart of Now-Forward, and they make it easy to get started. Training and mentoring are provided, and you can volunteer on your own schedule. Ongoing needs include:
- Clothes Closet (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to Noon or Noon to 3:30 PM): Sort donations and assist clients with selections.
- Pantry (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM): Sort, fill bags, and distribute food.
- Financial Aid (Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM): Interview clients requesting rent or utility assistance, receptionist duties, and data entry.
- Medical Clinic (Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM): Licensed vocational nurses, medical assistants, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and physicians are needed. Spanish speaking is required.
- ESL Class (Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM): Teach conversational English to adult learners.
To learn more or sign up, contact Barbara at volunteer@now-forward.org or 214-392-8763.