Network of Community Ministries

Who Can Visit?

Network of Community Ministries is open to neighbors who are at or below 185% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines and who live within the organization's service area. The service area covers all 14 zip codes within the Richardson Independent School District (RISD). You don't have to be enrolled in RISD to receive help.

If you've never been to Network before, you'll need to come in during service hours to be certified first. Once certified, you'll receive a Network Card with Network Dollars to use for food in the Community Food Market.

How to Register?

First-time visitors should come to 1500 International Parkway, Suite 300, Richardson, TX 75081 during service hours to be certified. If you have questions, you can email info@thenetwork.org or call (972) 234-8880 ext. 104.

Items Needed for Registration

To enroll in services, you'll need to bring:

• Proof of address showing that you live within Network's service area
• Documentation of income

Please note that not being able to provide these documents will not affect your eligibility to receive food.

How Often You Can Visit?

The website mentions that registered clients can visit the Community Food Market. One reviewer shared that they received help every month with groceries, and another noted receiving a generous amount of food supplies for the month, suggesting visits are available on a monthly basis.

Good to Know

Shopping in Network's Community Food Market is by appointment only. If you're already registered, you can schedule your appointment at https://bit.ly/NetworkScheduling. One reviewer suggested coming early in the morning, as popular items can run out later in the day. Items in the pantry may have short expiration windows, so plan to use what you receive within a day or two. A reviewer also noted that children can take a book from the playroom home with them.

Food & Essentials

The Community Food Market carries a wide variety of food items including fresh vegetables, meat (including excellent cuts and quality protein), and shelf-stable goods. The pantry also stocks hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant, as well as diapers and baking items like oil, sugar, and flour. Canned meat and fish and single-serve snack items are among the most needed items that donors are encouraged to bring.

Network also runs a Clothing Closet that accepts new and gently-used clothing. The most needed clothing items include toddler clothes, baby clothes, new socks, new underwear, and kids' shoes.

How to Pick Up

Shopping at the Community Food Market is a client-choice experience, meaning you browse and select items yourself. You'll use your Network Card and Network Dollars at checkout. All shopping is by appointment only, so you'll need to schedule your visit in advance at https://bit.ly/NetworkScheduling.

Additional Support

Network offers a wide range of services beyond food:

Clothing Closet: Network accepts new and gently-used clothing. Donations can be dropped off at the clothing donation door on the right side of the building during business hours, or placed in the Clothing Donation Drop Box outside of the Closet at any time.

Mobile Food Pantry: Network has a Mobile Food Pantry that visits schools, day cares, and other locations within RISD each week.

Home Delivery: Network delivers groceries to neighbors who do not have access to transportation.

Utility Assistance: Network offers utility assistance through partnerships with TXU, Reliant, and Atmos Energy, as funds are available.

Pampillonia Stabilization Program: This program provides comprehensive and emergency case management, access to mainstream benefits, life skills coaching, budgeting and financial education, 1-on-1 job coaching, resume development, job readiness skills training, interview skills training, and child care assistance. It also offers GED classes, ESL classes, Microsoft Office Suite classes, and mock interviews (with a free outfit).

Mental Health Services: Network provides mental health care at no cost, for as long as a neighbor needs it. Services include support from a Qualified Mental Health Professional and two Licensed Master Social Workers, depression and anxiety screenings, a Self Sufficiency Survey, and Parent Cafes for community and social connection. To schedule an appointment, email stabilization@thenetwork.org.

Seniors' Net: This program provides basic needs assistance (food, clothing, and utilities) for seniors aged 60 and above or those who are disabled. It also includes a Handyman Program (available to all seniors in the service area with no income requirement), Companion Calls, and Seniors' Day, a weekly event open to all seniors regardless of financial situation, featuring lunch, educational seminars, light exercise, activities, and socializing.

Youth Programs: Network offers the Big Meals for Little Kids Feeding Program for school-aged children during school breaks, Tools 4 School (backpacks filled with supplies), the Toyland Express Program (toys for children during the holidays), and an After School Art Program in partnership with Central Arts (every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m.).

SNAP and Benefits Help: Network helps neighbors gain access to mainstream benefits.

Facilities

Network has a Clothing Closet where registered clients can shop for new and gently-used clothing using their Network Dollars. A playroom is available for children, and kids can take a book home with them. The building also has a computer bar.

Ways to Give

You can support Network in several ways:

Food and hygiene donations: Bring food or personal care items to the Community Market at the back of the building during regular business hours. Most needed items include hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant), diapers, canned meat and fish, baking items (oil, sugar, flour), and single-serve snack items. You can also shop from Network's Amazon Wish List. Please do not drop off food if Network is not open.

Clothing donations: Bring new or gently-used clothing during regular business hours, or leave it in the Clothing Donation Drop Box on the right side of the building at any time. Most needed clothing items are toddler clothes, baby clothes, new socks, new underwear, and kids' shoes. Network does not accept used socks and underwear or used safety equipment.

Financial donations: Cash gifts can be made by mail, online, or as a recurring monthly gift. You can also give in honor or memory of a loved one. Visit https://thenetwork.org/donate-today to make a contribution. For questions, contact Jillian Netherland, Chief Development Officer, at jnetherland@thenetwork.org or (972) 662-8595.

Other ways to give: Matching gifts, gifts through a will or living trust, IRA charitable distributions, beneficiary designations, appreciated securities, and real estate gifts are also accepted.

Donations can be mailed to: Network of Community Ministries, 1500 International Parkway, Suite 300, Richardson, TX 75081.

How to Join the Team?

Network welcomes volunteers in many roles across the Community Food Market (warehouse, checkout, greeting), Mobile Market (bagging, paperwork assistance), Clothing Closet (checkout, donation sorting), home delivery driving, Seniors' Net (Seniors' Day, Companion Calls, Handymen), Grocery Donation Pick Up, and Intake.

To learn about opportunities, email the Volunteer Program Manager at volunteer@thenetwork.org. To sign up or log in, visit the volunteer portal at http://volunteer.thenetwork.org.

If you're looking to schedule a group volunteer opportunity (5 or more people), complete the volunteer group application form at http://www.thenetwork.org/volunteer-group.